Nursery Notes - Baby Brown's - November 2007 Entries

November 2007 Entries

http://www.babybrowns.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=BB-BONNIE-BLUE-LATTE

Change Kit from Bumble Bags

Our friends at Bumble Bags have been busy lately. They’ve always had amazing products, but they have totally revamped their line-up. Just in time for the holidays, Bumble has introduced their Bonnie “Changing Kit” – a perfect stocking stuffer for the new mom (or for the Moms still changing diapers on a 3 year old!)

Don’t let the Changing Kit's sleek lines fool you – it is packed with features. Folded up, it is a compact bag that can hang over stroller handles. Unfolded, it is a full-sized changing mat with room for diapers, and wipes. The Changing Kit also features a special area for Mommy’s items – a lipstick touchup goes a long way towards sanity! Available in Bonnie Blue Latte, Lemon Lime, and Pink Paisley. Priced at $48.

posted @ Thursday, November 29, 2007 3:08 PM | Feedback (0)

Boy’s Room Decorating Theme Idea

Hit a Home Run with Vintage Baseball Theme

What’s more American than apple pie? It would have to be baseball. The vintage look is really hot right now in children’s room, so why not merge baseball and vintage together for a refreshing look that your little boy will love. When you start decorating your nursery or playroom, we like start by working around one piece that we love. For example, in our Vintage Baseball themed room, this Baseball Clock is the perfect starting point. We like the clock because it’s useful and grows with your child.

Try painting the walls a warm khaki color (Palomino from Porter Paints is a good choice), and then bring in hints of red with other wall art. Try this Vintage Baseball print for added punch to the walls.

Another great wall art idea is to frame pictures your husband in little league, this really personalizes the room. Plus your husband will get a kick out of being the all-star!

posted @ Wednesday, November 28, 2007 12:26 PM | Feedback (0)

Environmentally Friendly Diaper Bags

Fleurville's Re-run Diaper Bag

Fleurville is always at the forefront of diaper bag greatness. First Fleurville made headlines with the introduction of the Mothership Diaper Bag, and now they are again at the head of the Mommy pack with the introduction of their environmentally friendly Re-run line of baby bags. Made of recycled plastic, Fleurville's patented Re-run fabric is made of water bottles.

The Re-run line of bags includes the Micro-pod, Messenger, and Stroller Bag. Not only are the bags friendly on the environment, but they have a small footprint on your pocketbook too! All of them are priced at under $75 - a major breakthrough in diaper bag land!

Of particular note in the Re-run line up is the Micro-pod (shown left). This bag is for the parent who likes to go out lightly (ie. only with the essentials.) The micro-pod boasts enough room for Mommy things like an i-pod, two diapers, sippy cups, change pad, and an included wipes case. It can be worn on a stroller, as a messenger, around the waist, or over the shoulder. Not bad for only $27.95. And you'll feel better about the landfills and the environment too. Now, if we could only take care of all those diapers in the land-fills...

posted @ Tuesday, November 27, 2007 8:29 PM | Feedback (0)

Matching Mother Daughter Aprons

Great Christmas Gift for Toddlers & Children

Toys are always fun gifts, but it’s the gift of your time that children really love. So whenever a gift that promotes time with your children comes up, I’m all for it. Hoohobbers has a cute set ofmatching aprons for Mother/Daughter or Father/Son.

The aprons can be personalize (just in case you couldn’t tell whose was whose from the sizes!) Kids always want to do what Mom and Dad are doing, so why not get them involved in the kitchen? This will be a gift that your kids will love. And who knows maybe these aprons will get someone else making dinner. Ahhh, we can only wish!

posted @ Saturday, November 24, 2007 8:44 AM | Feedback (0)

Toddler Bibs Great for Art Projects & Meals

Full Body Bibs Make Life Easier for Mom

It seems like everyday my kids want to do art projects, which I’m all for doing. My only drawback to doing them, is the mess art projects create on my kid’s cloths. Regular bibs don’t keep the paint and markers off of clothes. In search of a way to emerge for projects unscathed, I found this incredible line of full-body bibs from Mullins Square. These would make a terrific gift - wrap it up with finger paint or playdough for a personalized touch.

They are made from vinyl, so they are completely wipeable, and they are big enough to fit a 4 or 5 year old. Adorable patterns include: Cow Print, Pink Dot, Blue Dot, Flower. Priced at only $15 – a bargain price that saves me time scrubbing away paint from clothes in the laundry room.

posted @ Friday, November 23, 2007 8:30 AM | Feedback (0)

Affordable Cute Diaper Bag

Mama & Bambino’s Darling $39 Baby Bag

With most diaper bags are in the over $100 category, you don’t usually expect to find a darling affordable baby bag in the under $50 category. Hats off to Mom-owned company, Mama & Bambino for their adorable Baby Stuff diaper bag. I like the ribbons that run down the sides of the bag, and the cute embroidered baby face on the outside of the diaper bag. These are cute touches, while not being to over-the-top “cutesy”.

For the price, this sweet bag is packed with features – outside pockets, matching changing pad, and roomy interior. You can choose from several colors: Black and Pink Dot, Brown Dot, Blue Stripe, Green with Pink Stripe. Priced at only $39. So reasonable, you can use this as the secondary diaper bag. Drop this bag off at day-care and keep the pricey bag with you!

posted @ Thursday, November 22, 2007 9:47 PM | Feedback (0)

Suri Cruise's Adorable Dress

Hollywood Baby Wears Princess Linens

Suri Cruise gets my vote for being the best-dressed baby in Hollywood, especially in this adorable Garden Princess Dress (hot pink dress trimmed in rick-rack). It’s not that her parents spend millions on dressing her, but they dress Suri in adorable age-appropriate clothes. Sorry, you don’t get my vote for best-dressed baby if you dress your kids like little grown-ups. Your babies will have plenty of time to show their bellies and attitudes when they are teenagers!

Suri is wearing the Garden Princess dress by Princess Linens. While this is the summer version of the dress, but it’s also available in the Bon Bon collection in heavier fabrics for winter-time. Choose from several colors: red, pink, blue, chocolate, and sand. Plus, you can personalize the dress with your princess’s name or initials. Priced at $52.

posted @ Wednesday, November 21, 2007 2:15 PM | Feedback (0)

Mary Louise Parker's Fleurville Diaper Bag

Mothership is Bag of Choice

Hollywood sweetie (and Mom) Mary Louise Parker, was recently spotted out spending quality time with her new 19-month old adopted daughter. Now that Parker is back in the diapering routine, what’s her bag of choice? She was sporting the Mothership bag from Fleurville.

The Mothership Diaper Bag has been a long-time favorite of Moms everywhere. Featuring a wipeable exterior, many inside pockets, insulated bottle pocket, and carabiner clip for keys. The Mothership is designed to withstand the rigors of motherhood - from being dragged around at the park, to being spilt on at playgroup. This baby bag is available in several great patterns: Redcrane, Blue, Pink, Grey Seepod, Pink Ogo, Pink Stripe, and Yellow Seepod. Priced at $149.95.

posted @ Tuesday, November 20, 2007 1:42 PM | Feedback (0)

Amy Michelle’s Chocolate Diaper Bag

A Baby Bag So Yummy, you’ll eat it up!

I had the opportunity to meet the designers from Amy Michelle Diaper Bags at the ABC Show in Las Vegas. Let me tell you, these gals are going somewhere. Mothers themselves, they instinctively know what Moms need. And their impeccable sense of style let’s them know what Moms want. Those two qualities have led Amy Michelle to introduce some of the hottest diaper bags on the market. Not only are there bags highly functional, but Amy Michelle bags are reasonably priced. (You have enough other things you need to buy!) Understated and elegant, we like the Chocolate Periwinkle Azelea Diaper Bag, it's a convertible shoulder to backpack diaper bag. It’s priced at $135, with a portion of proceeds going to Ronald McDonald House. Oh, and did I mention these gals have a sense of compassion too?

posted @ Monday, November 19, 2007 11:25 AM | Feedback (0)

Nursery Lamps Shed Light on Decorating

Personalized Lampshades Pull Nursery Together

Lampshade schmampshade. A shades a shade right? Wrong. A lampshade is the icing on the cake – the final thoughtful decorative detail that can make your nursery darling, or just a nursery. To add that decorative sizzle that makes a nursery stand out, we like the personalized lampshades from Hoohobbers. At only $80 for the entire lamp, this is a lot of bang for your nursery decorating buck. (Many personalized nursery lamps cost much more than that!) You can pick from several monogram fonts, and put a name or initials on the shade. Nursery lamp is also available in Black & White and Green.

posted @ Thursday, November 15, 2007 7:40 PM | Feedback (0)

Zoobies' Creative Baby Gift Idea

3 in 1 - Toy, Blanket, Pillow Makes a Perfect Baby Gift

We thought we’d seen it all as far as blankets go. There are fleece blankets, receiving blankets, satin blankets…blah, blah, blah. But then, the fun folks at Zoobie decided to shake it up a little and introduce their line of friendly savannah inspired pals. Your kids will love them. Ok, what are they? (This is when you think, “why didn’t I think of that great idea?”) The Zoobie is a 3-in-1 toy, errr is that blanket? Anyway, folded up, you have a cute stuffed animal. Folded out, you have a blanket, and a pillow. Not only is that a great idea for nap time at pre-school, but the Zoobie pets are darn cute. Our favorites are Kojo the Croc, and Jafaru the Giraffe. Priced at only $30.

posted @ Wednesday, November 14, 2007 1:29 PM | Feedback (0)

Traveling with your Stroller?

Gate Check Stroller Bag is a Must Have

All of us with traveling for the holidays with our little ones break out is a sweat just thinking about wrangling the kids, toys, luggage and stroller through the airport and to the gate. The agony doesn’t stop at the gate – because that’s where you have to give up your stroller and pray the gate personnel don’t break it. (That happened to me this summer – my stroller was lost, and then they delivered it to me broken a week into our trip.) Next time I travel, I’ll be prepared. This handy stroller gate check bag from JL Childress will be my ticket to sanity. At the gate, simply unfold the gate check stroller bag, put your stroller inside and wait for your stroller’s safe return when you land. Cool features include: bright red color makes it easy for you to spot; webbed handle to easily pick it up; ID section; folds up into a small pouch.

Let me tell you now, this will be the best $13.96 you’ve ever spent. A good return on your expensive stroller investment!

posted @ Tuesday, November 13, 2007 2:56 PM | Feedback (0)

A Newborn Gift that Dad will Love

Cradle Me Blanket Gives Support

Newborn babies are adorable. And little. In fact, they are so little and wiggly, sometimes its hard to know how to hold them. Just ask any new Dad. One of my favorite gifts for new parents is the Baby Boo Gift Set. It includes the most amazing Cradle Me Supportive Receiving Blanket (more on that later), the softest satin-trimmed footie-sleeper pajamas, and a darling little hat.

Now about the Cradle Me Receiving Blanket…it’s so innovative it has a patent pending on its design. The blanket has a removable foam insert that provides support for baby, and allows loved ones to easily pass baby around. Of course, Dad will be so thankful for the blanket he won’t pass baby around.

The gift set is available in Pink, Blue and Cream, and comes wrapped in a pretty tulle bag. Priced at $59.95.

posted @ Monday, November 12, 2007 3:36 PM | Feedback (0)

A Nativity Set to Play With

44 Piece Wooden set by Haba

Right after Thanksgiving, all across the country, Mothers will unwrap their fragile nativity sets. And then, throughout December, the same Moms will repeat time and time again, "please don't touch the nativity set." Instead of keeping the kids away from your priceless fragile nativity set, why not give them one of their own? I just love this 44 piece European-made wooden nativity set by Haba. Not only is this a great imaginative toy, it's a fantastic way to start a conversation about Christmas and what it means to your child. It's made with non-toxic paint, and can hold up to some serious playing. Priced at only $48.

posted @ Saturday, November 10, 2007 5:01 PM | Feedback (0)

Nursery Decorating Trends: Ottomans

Children’s Ottomans are Hot for Fall

One of fall’s top trends for nurseries is the introduction of the Ottoman to the decorating mix. Long a staple in the grown-up room, the Ottoman has now found a place in the nursery – both for baby girls and boys. Some ottomans double as storage units, while others are slip-covered for easy cleaning. Both types are perfect for relaxing. They're available in a wide price range, but we like the Hoohobber’s ottomans because of there reasonable price – only $70. Plus, for a small additional fee, you can personalize the ottoman with your little darlings name for only $18 more.

posted @ Friday, November 09, 2007 10:30 AM | Feedback (0)

New Baby? Don’t forget the Big Sibling

“I’m the Big Sister T-shirt”

When you’re buying a gift for a new baby, don’t forget a little something for the big sibling. The big sibling gift doesn’t have to be anything huge, just something to let the “big kid” know that they are special. When my friend had a baby a year ago, I picked up a “I’m the Big Sister” shirt by Adorable Originals for the older daughter. Little did I know what a hit that shirt would be. Now, a year latter, big sister still proudly wears her “I’m the Big Sister” t-shirt. (Yes, it’s a little small on her now, but the sentiment is large for big sis.) Available in “I’m the Big Brother” and “I’m the Big Sister” t-shirts. Priced at $17.95.

posted @ Thursday, November 08, 2007 10:10 AM | Feedback (0)

Birthday Hats Make Baby’s Big Day Special

Retro-Inspired Party Hats

It’s the small touches that make your baby’s birthday so special -- cake on baby’s face, wrapping paper everywhere, party decorations, and of course the birthday party hat. Inspired by vintage hats, this felt party hat is incredibly fun and completely adorable. Can’t you just imagine how darling the pictures will be with this hat? Unlike the traditional "first birthday hats" that spell out "1st Birthday", this one can be used again and again. You'll love it forever. Available in pink and blue. Priced at only $13.

posted @ Wednesday, November 07, 2007 4:07 PM | Feedback (0)

Ultimate Luxury Diaper Bag

Timi & Leslie's Femme Clutch

Diaper bags are getting deceptively chic. In fact, you have to look twice to make sure it’s a baby bag. Timi and Leslie have raised the fashion quotient with their new Femme Clutch – a to-die-for butter-soft leather diaper clutch. It's perfect for a quick outing with baby. Heck, it’s so good-looking, it would be perfect for lunch out with the girls too.

The inside is water-proof, and it has a wonderfully compact size: 7"h x 11"w x 4"d. Yes, less is more! But Mom can still fit in all her essentials, plus diapers and wipes. A full sized change-mat is also included. Another thing that needs mentioning is the matching brag book that can hold up to 36 pictures of your little darling (available for an extra cost). Available in carmel, black and brown. Priced at $180.

posted @ Tuesday, November 06, 2007 5:54 PM | Feedback (0)

Tick Tock - Decorate Nursery with Clocks

Ballerina Clock Strikes a Sweet Chord

Hickory Dickory Dock, such a cute ballet clock! Every room needs a clock, so try to make it special. Often an unnoticed part of a room, now the clock has a time to shine on center-stage. BabyBrowns.com loves the Ballerina Clock. This sweet clock will last in your darling’s room until the teenage years. It has a working pendulum, and an adorable retro-look. It runs on a double AA battery. Priced at $92.99.

Many parents are opting to buy cute nursery clocks to complement artwork in the nursery. With such a huge selection of nursery clocks available now, this is a good affordable decorating choice.

posted @ Monday, November 05, 2007 8:39 AM | Feedback (0)

Designer Baby Car Seat Covers

Your Infant's Car Seat Never Looked so Good

Baby car seat covers aren’t just car seat covers anymore. They are full blown fashion statements. It’s kind of like decorating for the back seat of your car. Our favorite infant car seat covers are from Baby Bella Maya. It’s the rich choice of luxurious fabrics that we love so much – sumptuous brocades, rich oriental inspired prints…you won’t be able to stop at one cover. The cool thing about Baby Bella Maya’s baby car seat covers is you can get matching baby holder covers, toddler car seat covers, and baby booties. It’s not intentional, but some of the car seat covers match Petunia Pickle Bottom Bags – like the Baby Bella Maya Coco Blue is the same fabric as Petunia Pickle Bottom’s retired Velveteen.

posted @ Friday, November 02, 2007 2:08 PM | Feedback (0)

Funny Maternity T-shirts

Bring on the Buddah Belly!

Add this to the maternity clothes “Must Have” list – the Buddah T-shirt by Tummy Ts. We love this shirt because it is a playful jab at the old saying “Buddah Belly”. This maternity t-shirt looks great layered over a maternity tank top. And it works well with your favorite maternity jeans, yoga pants, or a skirt. This will be a maternity staple, that you’ll be sad to give up as soon as your soon as your pregnancy is over. Made of 100% cotton, one size fits most throughout pregnancy. Priced at $42.

posted @ Thursday, November 01, 2007 2:31 PM | Feedback (0)