All Girl Shabby Chic Room

by Kate on February 19th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Nurseries, Bedrooms & Playrooms

This bedroom is shared as part of the Real Reader Rooms series sponsored by
The Land of Nod.

Today’s room is shared by my good friend Jen who brings us her daughter’s gorgeous shabby chic room.

(Editor’s note: the beautiful pink curtains give the photos a bit of a pink cast. The room is beautifully pink, but not that pink.)

Jen: Pink and green is what I imagined the day I found out I was having my baby girl Kendall. Almost 5 years later, I have managed to keep the same decor from her nursery and transform it as she has matured into a preschooler.

Jen: I purchased the bedding set for her big girl bed on a major sale at Target in the shabby chic section. (Editor’s note: I’m pretty jealous of how great Jen is at shopping sales. We went out together and I found designer jeans for $80. She found some for $20.)

Jen: I bought the curtains for only $10 and flowers at Michael’s for $5.  I hot glued the flowers at the top.  I love them and they were easy and cheap.

Jen: Kendall’s IKEA kitchen is so cute and you can purchase it in sections. She received the bottom (oven and sink) from my husband’s parents for Christmas last year and the top (micro and pot rack) this year. I was afraid the kitchen would be yet another toy she would play with for a few days and be bored with.  However, this kitchen has kept her busy and cookin’ since the day she got it! I love to keep her kitchen in her room so at desperate times I cant ask her to “go upstairs and make me a pot of soup and some brownies” and she is all over it!

Jen: The tall bureau we use for her overflowing collection of books. We encourage her to enjoy reading and every time someone asks us “what would she like for a gift” we always reply “books”… So that’s where we stash them all…

Jen: I took an old mirror we had hanging around the house, painted it pink, and used cotton balls to make white polka dots around the frame. I painted unfinished letters white and glued them on the top. I then  used the same polka dot technique to decorate  her plain white lamp shade and I tied a matching hot pink bow around it.  I think it  might have cost me $5 to make (including the white lamp shade).


Jen: The pillow on her rocking chair was made by my very talented sister in law so I can’t take credit.

Jen: Her letters over her bed I bought unfinshed and painted them green and glued ribbon to the back.


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This room was submitted for the Real Reader Room series. We’d love to share your nursery, children’s bedroom or playroom, too, and you’ll be automatically entered to win our awesome prize package. And to say thanks, you get THREE BONUS Entries into every Nursery & Children’s Decor Giveaway!

Monkey Door Hooks

by Kate on February 19th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  28 Days of Design

Design: Monkey Over the Door Hanger

Why We Want it in Our House: These funky little monkeys are just hanging around. The tails and feet provide functional little hooks to hang goodies behind the bedroom or on the closet door. Don’t cage these animals in the bedroom – they’d be great for towels in a bathroom, too.

Shop! The Monkey Over the Door Hanger comes in pink and brown and the set is only $16.

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Check out all our Children’s Décor picks.

Girly Girl Twin Nursery

by Kate on February 18th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Children's Decor, Nurseries, Bedrooms & Playrooms

This bedroom is shared as part of the Real Reader Rooms series sponsored by
The Land of Nod.

Kristi (who blogs at The Hutton House) shared the Girly Girl Twin Nursery she created for her girls. The cool part? She designed the room with her twin sister.

One of the most noticeable centerpieces in the room is the large custom vinyl on the wall above the girls’ cribs.

The decorations she gathered at various discount stores add lots of depth and interest without adding clutter.

Kristi had lots of trial and error to reach the right green paint color. She bought 6 sample quarts and had to mix two half-in-half to get the right color.

She created the bulletin board behind the door by spray painting the frame and attaching fabric to the cork with spray adhesive.

The room also has an attached bathroom that maintains the girly girl look.

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This room was submitted for the Real Reader Room series. We’d love to share your nursery, children’s bedroom or playroom, too, and you’ll be automatically entered to win our awesome prize package. And to say thanks, you get THREE BONUS Entries into every Nursery & Children’s Decor Giveaway!

SwaddleDesigns Fitted Crib Sheet Review + Giveaway

by Kate on February 18th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Baby, Children's Decor, Giveaways, Reviews, Reviews

SwaddleDesigns is known for the Receiving Blankets that have gained mom must-have status for swaddling babies. Older babies love the Stroller Blanket – my daughter still sleeps with hers!  The SwaddleDesigns Fitted Crib Sheet takes the comfort of the swaddling blanket to the entire crib.

SwaddleDesigns Fitted Sheet

Made from the same soft flannel cotton as our best selling Ultimate Receiving Blankets. These cozy and comfortable 100% natural cotton fibers are gentle next to baby’s delicate skin. They are available in an assortment of 20 plus designs and colors to coordinate with our best selling product line or any nursery or personal style.

Fitted Flannel Comfort

I admit that I’ve shied away from flannel sheets for me or my kids. I think of them as thick and too hot. But, I was anxious to put the SwaddleDesigns Fitted Sheet on my crib mattress to see if it was as soft and comfy as the famous Receiving Blankets. The Sheet isn’t like old school fluffy flannel. It’s made from super soft, premium, preshrunk cotton that is pretty lightweight and breathable.

The sheets are available in over 20 designs- the same from the Receiving Blankets – some with more subtle patterns and others more colorful. I picked a light pink polka dot print that fits right into her existing nursery.

Fun Patterns

Even though I chose a subtle tone on tone pattern for my daughter’s room, I am kind of obsessed with the colorful and more bold Crib Sheet options from SwaddleDesigns. From left to right: Pastel with Brown Polka Dots, Triple Paisleys, and Mod Circles on White.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… My daughter is sleeping in comfort on her SwaddleDesigns Fitted Sheet. It’s soft, stands up great to washing and looks great. I love the subdued patterns but the brighter patterns (like the Triple Paisleys) certainly add lots of fun to a nursery.

Or Not to Buy… The cost of a single Fitted Sheet is a bit on the high side, but it’s a higher quality than a standard cotton sheet.

Shop! The SwaddleDesigns Fitted Crib Sheet is $32 and is available for purchase directly from SwaddleDesigns and on Amazon. Coordinating Ultimate Receiving Blankets are $25.

Win! A SwaddleDesigns Fitted Crib Sheet!

How to Enter: Visit SwaddleDesigns and check out the crib sheets. Leave a comment with your favorite pattern.

Bonus Entries – valid only after completing the first required entry. Please leave a separate comment for each you do.

Giveaway ends March 4. Open to US residents only.

Thanks to SwaddleDesigns for providing a sample product and the giveaway prize.

OshKosh B’gosh Launches Basics for Easy Mix & Match Wear

by Kate on February 18th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Clothes, Reviews

You know the Osh Kosh b’gosh name – after all, the iconic clothing company has been making children’s clothing since 1895 when they first created pint-size versions of work clothes. The clothing line for kids has remained relevant by producing stylish clothing for kids at affordable prices. Shopping Osh Kosh just got even easier through the introduction of B’gosh Basics.

Introducing B’gosh Basics — the new line of easy, cool-for-kids separates from Oshkosh B’gosh. Mix them up, match them up. Getting dressed is now as fun as playtime.

The B’gosh Basics line features bright colors in simple polos, hoodies, shorts, leggings, tunics and skirts. The idea is that basic pieces are easier to mix and match – making each piece a flexible and useful part of a child’s wardrobe. And, the best part is the affordable pricing.

Building Blocks for Easy Kid Outfits

B’gosh Basics has four easy keys for creating fun outfits for kids.

  1. Don’t be afraid to mix and match bold colors. Yes, your son’s citron green polo does go with his bright blue sweatshirt and navy shorts.
  2. Layering is not just for winter, it can create a fresh look for existing pieces. Add leggings to your daughter’s favorite dress or skirt for a new look.
  3. Think before checking out: will the pieces in your basket be easy to coordinate with others in your child’s closet? If not, go back to “basics” and add another outfit or two to make outfitting easier. With our “2 for” pricing it won’t break your budget.
  4. Finally, let your Osh Kosh B’gosh kids dress themselves – it encourages creativity and gives them the power of expression.

B’Gosh Basics is Beyond Basic Style

We received sample outfits for both my daughter and son – and all the pieces are great and will definitely be a part of their regular rotation. We used to live near an outlet so my kids wear a lot of Osh Kosh B’gosh. Given the affordable price point of B’gosh Basics, I assumed the quality would be less but it really isn’t. The clothes maintain the reputation of the Osh Kosh brand, and add an element of separates that are easy to shop for and build a wardrobe with.

My daughter is wearing the Smocked Neck Printed Top and Capri Leggings. Both pieces are simple and sweet, but have small details not usually found in such affordable clothing. For example, the Top has a quality smocking around the neck as well as a small sparkly heart detail on the bottom of the shirt repeating the heart pattern in the shirt. And, the leggings have a nice finish around the bottom of the legs. I found that both pieces were a little on the small size. My daughter wears a size 2T, but I think she’ll outgrow both before the summer arrives.

The top and leggings each have a suggested retail price of $12, but are buy one, get one free! So, you can get a complete outfit for $12. Add another coordinating Top and Leggings for another $12 and you have four outfits for $24. Pretty good deal! The B’gosh Basics clothing and concept actually reminds me of Target clothes – the displays of mix and match tees and pants that are affordably priced and cute.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… I am very excited about the new B’gosh Basics line. I love the updated online shopping system, the prices are great and quality well-worth the price. The pieces are great, versatile basics that are easy to mix and match.

Or Not to Buy… The B’gosh Basics is a great addition to the Osh Kosh clothing line. I can’t think of a reason not to try it out.

Shop! Osh Kosh B’gosh Basics are available online at www.oshkoshbgosh.com. Basics pieces are available in Baby Size 3 Months through Kid Size 12. Prices start at $12 and feature Buy One, Get One Free of equal or lesser MSRP. Now through Monday enjoy Free Shipping on orders over $50 with code FUNDAY.

Thanks to Osh Kosh B’gosh for providing samples to facilitate this review. As always, opinions are my own.

Organic Storage Basket

by Kate on February 18th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  28 Days of Design

Design: 3 Sprouts Organic Storage Bin

Why We Want it in Our House: No one ever said nursery or play room storage had to be boring. Put the fun in functional with the adorable organic storage bins from 3 Sprouts. The bins are 17 inches tall and 17 inches in diameter and collapse when not in use. The bins have fun animal appliques including, my favorite, the purple Hippo. How could would a couple of these look lined up next to each other in a playroom?

Shop! The 3 Sprouts Organic Storage Bin is $38 and available in seven colorful animals.

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Check out all our Children’s Décor picks.

Crib-Related Deaths and Injuries Common

by Kate on February 17th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Parenting

After 19 years of studying injuries associated with cribs, playpens and bassinets, The Center for Injury Research and Policy announced today that deaths and injuries associated with these important nursery items is still unacceptably high. The study examined injuries resulting in ER visits that were associated with cribs, playpens and bassinets among children younger than 2 years of age. The study, conducted between 1990 and 2008, found an average of 9,500 injuries and more than 100 deaths see in U.S. emergency departments every year. That’s more than one ER worthy injury an hour!

Cribs and Falls are the Most Common Dangers

Most of the injuries involve cribs (83%) and two thirds of the injuries were the result of a fall. The most common type of injury was soft-tissue (bruising, sprains, muscle injury, but not broken bones) followed by concussion or head injury. Infants’ heads are so heavy that their center of gravity is higher than adults and many falls result in a head first decent. The study was consistent with this, finding the head or neck the most frequently injured (40%), followed by the face (28%).

Cribs, Playpens and Bassinets Must be Held to a Higher Standard

Recent recalls of more than 11 million cribs have drawn attention to crib safety and drop-side cribs are banned from manufacture, sales and lease starting in June of 2011. This is a step in the right direction according to Dr. Gary Smith, but more needs to be done.

“Despite the attention given to crib safety over the past two decades, the number of injuries and deaths associated with these products remains unacceptably high,” said Dr. Gary Smith, senior author of the study and director of the Center for Injury Research and Policy. “Unlike other child products that require adult supervision for their safe use, cribs, playpens and bassinets must be held to a higher standard because we expect parents to leave their child unattended in them and walk away with peace of mind.”

“Educating caregivers about the proper use and potential dangers of these products is an important part of making cribs safer for children, but education alone is not enough,” said Dr. Smith, also a Professor of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. “Innovations in product design and manufacture can provide automatic protection that does not rely on actions of caregivers to keep children safe.

Cribs are Still the Safest Place for Babies to Sleep

Even with the frightening numbers and seemingly endless recalls, cribs are still the safest place for babies to sleep and recommended by leading pediatricians and safety groups, including The Center for Injury Research and Policy and the authors of this study. They offer these tips for keeping your child safe.

Pay close attention to the crib you select.

  • Select a crib that meets all current safety standards, does not have a drop side and is not old, broken or modified.
  • Avoid cribs with cutouts or decorative corner posts or knobs that stick up more than 1/16th of an inch.
  • Measure the slats to make sure they are not more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart (use a soda can to check).
  • Visit www.recalls.gov to make sure the crib has not been recalled
  • Make sure the mattress fits tightly into the crib. If you can fit more than two fingers between the mattress and the crib, you need a bigger mattress
  • Frequently examine the crib to make sure it is in good repair and that there are no loose parts
  • Carefully read and follow all assembly instructions

When putting your child in a crib to sleep, consider the following:

  • Always place your baby on his or her back to sleep
  • Remember that a bare crib is best. Do not add pillows, blankets, sleep positioners, stuffed animals or bumpers to the crib
  • Crib tents and mesh canopies are not safe to use over cribs. Children can become trapped or strangle in them if they try to get out
  • Avoid placing the crib near a window to prevent falls and possible strangulation from cords from window blinds or shades

Monitor your child’s developmental milestones and make changes to the crib as needed.

  • Once your child can push up on his hands and knees or is 5 months old (whichever occurs first), remove all mobiles and hanging toys
  • When your child can pull herself up or stand, adjust the mattress to the lowest position. Having the crib sides at least 26 inches above the mattress can help prevent falls
  • Check the manufacturer’s instructions to know when your child will outgrow the crib.  This generally occurs when your child reaches 35 inches in height
If using a bassinet or playpen, make sure they have a sturdy, wide base and that your child meets all height and weight limits.

Editor’s Note: these recommendations are those of the professionals at The Center for Injury Research and Policy.

What have you done to keep your baby safe while sleeping?

photo: Ergo Sleep Systems

Airplane Nursery

by Kate on February 17th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Children's Decor, Nurseries, Bedrooms & Playrooms

Here’s my nursery. Show us yours! Participate in the Real Reader Rooms series sponsored by The Land of Nod.

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I have a confession. I decorated my guest bedroom with the intention of it being a little boy’s room long before we decided that someday there would be a little one and definitely before we knew “it” would be a “he.” When we moved into our home the guest room was easter-egg yellow (which went well with the easter-egg blue bathroom and lavender master bath). The other two rooms got painted right away, but the guest room took a while. I was so excited to finally paint over that horrible yellow with a soothing blue called armor blue. It went perfectly with the curtains my friend Barb helped me make made for me. It was a calming guest room that could easily be transformed into a nursery.

This is one of the few photos I have of the wonderful blue color because of course, thank you Air Force, we moved shortly after little guy was born and the new room is YELLOW. (I know it could be worse and the yellow actually goes really well with everything, but seriously?!)

The theme of the nursery is Airplanes because I fell in love with an airplane themed nursery set from Lambs and Ivy called Wings. I was a little worried about “forcing” airplanes on my baby (my husband is a pilot and airplane obsessed) and about being cliché, but it is just so cute. Thankfully the little guy appears to have inherited the I -love-airplanes gene. The crib sheet is from another store, but matches the Lambs and Ivy set well (it looks like it may have been discontinued).

Here’s the right side of the room. I really love this shot of they little guy’s room. (Yes it’s a huge room.) The appliqués are from Lambs and Ivy too. The glider is a Dutailer Ultramotion and it’s so comfortable if not as stylish as I’d like. I also have an inexpensive nursing stool that isn’t very pretty but is such a life saver. I got the crib on clearance from Babies R Us. I really like the way it looks and it was under $150. The chest is my husband’s old school chest and is not baby friendly for toy storage. I can’t wait to replace it with some Storagepalooza Storage Bins from Land of Nod. The striped curtains are handmade with love by my friend Barb from fabric we found (on sale) at Joanne’s Fabrics (they still have the fabric on-line). I’ve paired them with blackout curtains off the rack from Target that just happen to match perfectly and keep all the bright afternoon sun out during nap time.

On the other side of the room I’ve coupled a padded changer and cover from Babies R Us with a red Ikea dresser that I know will last for years. (Oh my, they have a new grey-brown version that I am in love with. It would look so cute paired with pinks for a girl’s room or for a beachy/surfer theme. I miss Ikea.) I found a CD storage box at TJ Maxx that works great for holding all the diapering essentials. The armoire is an extra piece that didn’t fit anywhere else in the house but has been really handy for diaper and wipe storage. In the far corner you can see a simple bookshelf we’ve had for years paired with Closetmaid Fabric Drawers for easy storage.

We’ve recently added the Flyover Rug from The Land of Nod to the room. You can see in the before and after shots how it adds to the space. It’s really thick and soft and I can’t wait to drive the roads or soar above the city with my little guy. (For those who follow on Facebook, yes this is the rug my dog welcomed to her home by wiping her butt across it. Thankfully it cleaned right off.)

I love spending time in my guy’s room and he does too. Thanks for checking out my room and I can’t wait to see all the Real Reader Rooms.

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Do you love a nursery, playroom or kids bedroom in your house? Share it with us in theReal Reader Room series sponsored by The Land of Nod.

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