This is brilliant! A way to get your tot to sit still and be involved during what I call the morning hair brushing show-down (it’s like an old western movie at my house as my daughter stands across the room with her hands on her hips and stares me down. I stand on the other side, brush in hand ready to rumble) Skip Hop is always an innovator when it comes to baby and kid products so its no surprise they have come up with a fun and functional all-in-one grooming set which also complements any nursery! This Hare Brush & Comb Set has cute bunny ears which double as a useful brush and comb, each with a soft-grip handle sized perfectly for grown-ups’ hands. The soft brush bristles are gentle on your baby’s scalp, and the wide-toothed comb makes untangling hair a cinch. When you’re all done, your tot can coo at his perfectly coiffed locks in the round, baby-safe mirror on the bunny’s base. Very Clever Skip Hop…

WIN IT NOW! One lucky Project Nursery reader will win the “Hare” Baby Comb and Brush Set by Skip Hop and here’s how…

1. Comment on this post with your favorite Skip Hop product? (Their site is so fun to browse)

2. Extra entries are counted by 1) posting on our Project Nursery Forum (up to 5x) 2) subscribing or commenting that you are a subscriber and 3) blogging about our giveaway. Don’t worry, we track it all!

3. The winner will be selected at random by using random.org

4. Contest ends Friday, November 28th, 11:59pm pst

Tags: Bathroom, Brush, Gear, Gift, Giveaways

My husband and I are always trying to come up with the right formula for putting the kids to bed. Just when we think we have a winning formula one of the kids gets sick, sprouts a tooth or just doesn’t want to cooperate and what is supposed to take 15 minutes takes hours. One constant that soothes at night and nap time is music. Although it is absolutely true that children really do enjoy their own parents singing no matter how bad it may sound, there are some days when another a cappella version of Twinkle Twinkle just isn’t happening. One of the best additions to the nursery has to be the MP3 player and docking station. Load it up with lullabies and happy dance music and whether you need some help at nighttime or are in the mood for an impromptu dance party during the day, you are prepared.

Now that the iPod Nano comes in 9 vibrant colors you can coordinate with the nursery or playroom. I’ve got the new Touch on my holiday gift list so that when I’m racing through Trader Joe’s with the kids to load up for the week I can whip it out at checkout for some instant babysitting (I call it a safety measure really). I love this petite docking station with speakers from JBL. The glossy white would be perfect for the nursery and is so compact would fit on a shelf or side table. If color is more your thing, check out the iLive Boombox docking station. The metallic hot pink and old school boombox shape make it a good choice for the play room.

Don’t forget the Music. Some Favorites:

1. Dan Zanes - Favorites Albums are: Catch That Train, House Party & Neuva York

2.  Go Rastafari! - “Rockabye Baby, Lullaby Renditions of Bob Marley”

3. Justin Roberts - Happy Go Lucky Sounds

4. Sippy Cups - Catch them live if you can

5. Disneys Lullaby - Sounds corny but is a full proof sleep inducer!

Tags: Gear, Music, Tech

Just when I thought I would buy the super fun Step 2 kitchen with all the bells and whistle that I know my toddler will love, I continue to find even more fabulous looking kitchens that will beautifully compliment my own kitchen. After all, adding a play kitchen is big time playroom decor. I am not talking about the beloved $$$ PBK kitchen….We’ll, maybe I am. But there is so much more out there now that doesn’t cost $500 for a pretend sink!

Great blog and soon to be online store, Shawn and Frank, did a super post the other week on bright, unique, contemporary, play kitchens. I just dig all their trendy baby finds, i.e. This one below retails for only $79 - What a find! For more of their play kitchen picks, click here!

If you are the more adventurous type however, check out IKEA hacker for play kitchen inspiration or the work of this clever mom recently featured on Ohdeedoh…

And finally, since we are talking kitchens…Pam and I were recently swapping stories about how our boys (both under age two) can push a heavy chair across a room and muscle their way on to our kitchen islands. While impressed by their agility we are also freaked by their ability to get into such precarious situations (We swear we are good moms!). Here’s a fantastic solution for your little kitchen helper that will keep them safe and off the kitchen table!

Now this does look good in my kitchen!

Tags: DIY, Kitchen, Play Rooms, Pretend

Cassie is a seasoned blogger, Etsy shop owner, graphic designer and crafter who officially added the title of Mom last week as she and her family welcomed Perry Avery into the world! Cassie’s nesting time was well spent creating a soothing, bird inspired nursery. “For the baby’s room, we decided to keep it understated, clean and modern with a folksy twist. I wanted a room I could personally seek refuge in and not just a character-themed nursery he would outgrow in a couple years…I’d say the room currently reflects my own style and not necessarily that of a baby boy.

The color inspiration came from a quilt Cassie made a few years back and the crib/crib bedding comes from Walmart. Fearing that the notNeutral wall decals wouldn’t properly adhere due to the room’s textured walls, Cassie created her own version with a quart of paint, stencils made out of card stock, and a roll of masking tape. The green paint on the wall is Valspar 6003-3B Martinique Dawn in eggshell and the green used for the mural is Valspar MS245 Spiny Sea Urchin in semi-gloss. For more DIY details, visit Cassie’s sweet blog “Twittering Bird“. Oh, and we must boast that Project Nursery inspired the darling, complimentary handmade bird mobile!

Cassie believes that anyone can easily customize anything with a couple quarts of paint and a few yards of fabric! We wanted a dresser instead of a changing table, so the little guy could use it for years to come. We were on an ikea budget and weren’t quite satisfied with anything we saw until we spied this dresser. It’s solid wood but the colors were anything but exciting, so we figured a few quarts of paint would be the perfect solution. The exact colors of the dresser are: Valspar 5004-9C Beach Sparkle (blue) and Valspar 6010-4 Amazon Silt - both in semi-gloss.“

Just one simple curtain panel provided enough fabric to make two valances. And the best part - The fabric was found on sale at Target for only three dollars! The dresser and shelf are both from Ikea. Some of Cassie’s favorite finds include the Amy Ruppel print (their first purchase once pregnant), the inflatable “Rody“, and the Bla-Bla knit toys.

Best wishes to both Cassie and baby! Thank you for taking the time to share with us. We hope you enjoy many peaceful nights in your beautiful nursery!

Tags: Boy, Gender Neutral, Inspiration, Paint, Wall Art

I’ll never forget the time I was talking to my good friend Nikki about parenting when the subject of potty training came up. I gave her a whole ear full of excuses about why my daughter wasn’t out of diapers and completely potty trained yet. I explained that we had tried the gold stars, the M&M’s, the pull-ups, blah blah blah. The kicker was the fact that she was easily going on the potty for the babysitter, without the dreaded accidents I seemed to be blessed with! That’s when she looked me straight in the eye and said, “Pam, she’s ready. You need to be ready too.” Of course she was right and it took making the leap and not looking back to get the deal closed (one very long weekend at home base, extra undies, paper towels and clorox wipes ready).

Everyone seems to have a potty training story and being ready and determined is absolutely key. We’ve just been introduced to a fantastic potty training system called Pot-Tee Prize. The Pot-Tee Prize system gives you all the tools you’ll need to easily and effectively potty train your child in one convenient, cheerful package. This product, created by mompreneuer Janet Harris, has been featured on both TV and the web. Janet says, “Naturally, this critical step in your child’s early development can be stressful and time consuming. Our system adds structure to the potty training process creating a positive and memorable experience for you and your little squirt.”

Each kit includes a gender specific Grab Bag with a chart with stickers for marking potty- training milestones, toy prizes and a diploma to commemorate “graduation” from diapers, along with a guidebook for parents. For a process that can often be a long bumpy ride, a $22.95 package is well worth it. A system designed to make potty training easy for parents and fun for kids! Who knew it existed!

NEWS FLASH!! We are giving away one Pot-Tee Prize complete training system to a lucky Project Nursery reader. Enter to win by commenting on this blog. Follow the steps below:

Tags: education, Gear, Giveaways, Toddler Rooms

I’ve been putting off getting a new diaper bag for much too long. You see, I recently ventured out to a restaurant for dinner with my kids and another family when disaster struck. The kids meals were taking way too long to arrive and there was lots of horrendous behavior ensuing. My designer diaper bag, which was resting innocently on an empty seat, was knocked to the ground and the delicious bottle of pinot tucked safely inside exploded (red wine was treat for surviving meal). Never mind that I was carrying around wine with size 5 diapers or that the digital camera was inside, the bag which I splurged on was a goner. Since that day I’ve been carting around an old LL Bean bag circa 1995. So now that some time has passed and I’ve recovered from the dining experience, I am ready to find a new bag. This time around I’m on a budget and realize that practical is a must. Here’s what I’ve found so far.

1. British Invasion! London’s famous designer, Anya Hindmarch is desinging for Target. She’s the original “I’m Not A Plastic Bag” gal. This PVC plastic bag, with inside and outside pockets, would make a great diaper bag during the day and easily transition for those nights out with the girls. $49.99 is recession proof.

2. Hippie Chic. Another find from the Mossimo line at Target.com. The distressed gray is a hot color this season. Outside pockets are great for bottles and sippy cups. At $29.99 even my husband would approve.

3. Print Envy. If you like bold prints, Toss Designs is your place to find a bag. Totally practical and spacious with multiple pockets, a matching changing pad and the wipe clean material is great for easy clean-up. Love the geometric prints and retro colors like the Medallion, Palermo and Montauk Chevron best. $148 isn’t bad for indestructible (take that red wine!).

Hey, PN readers send us your creative finds for diaper bags. It doesn’t have to be an official diaper bag, just a roomy and resilient bag that’s stylish and easy on the wallet. My husband keeps trying to tell me that in this economy, “If you can’t eat it, you can’t buy it!” Well, one little bag won’t hurt….

Tags: Bags, Gear

Welcome to Fall, October and most importantly Breast Cancer Awareness month. The next time you shop, “Think Pink!” A great number of boutiques and online retailers are donating a portion of their proceeds this month to support the cause. We thought we would highlight a few special items so when buying a little something for the wee one, you too are contributing to the fight!

The Moses Basket - A handy tool for a precious newborn. We think it also makes an impressive shower gift to fill with goodies. Once baby grows, it’s a terrific basket to store stuffed animals and baby dolls.

Project Nursery of course endorses Project Pink. How could we not? Add to your bathroom’s decor with a little pink rub-a-dub-dub in the tub!

Support breast cancer awareness in a surprisingly sweet way with this innovative baking set sold for $14.99 at Target!

Registering for a Jogger? Look to the Schwinn Hope Single Jogging Stroller in support of Breast Cancer Awareness.

Go beyond decorating your kids ceiling with stars, Stand Up To Cancer and buy a star within our universe’s constellation for $1.

And we can’t forget a little something for Mom! Enjoy Bobbi Brown’s exclusive, limited-edition set featuring Pink Quartz Glitter Lip Gloss and Tulle Lip Color.

Tags: Bassinet, Bath, Gifts, Pink

It’s so fun to know that Project Nursery is being enjoyed by people from around the globe. A reader from Amsterdam recently sent us a really supportive email (so nice, thanks!) and introduced us to a local baby bedding company called Kikebu. Kikebu’s style is simple, fresh and original. Their philosophy is to make life easier for parent and baby through products that are practical, elegant and attractive. They say, “Babies deserve to be loved and surrounded by happiness, that is why we design, produce and select  the best and most attractive products, trying to create a happy, cozy world around them.”

Besides the bright and cheerful crib sets I really like the hooded towels. Its tough to find a great hooded towel that’s not too cutesy or adorned with animal ears. Also check out the changing mats. The cool modern prints are a fun change from the typical ugly black nylon ones that come with most baby bags.

Tags: Bedding, Gear

On our way back from Lake Tahoe we made a pit stop in the cute college town of Davis to grab a bite and tire the little tikes out in an attempt to achieve some road peace for the remainder of the drive back to San Francisco. I was delighted to discover the cutest little t-shirt shop ever! It’s called nina and tom, a husband and wife team who are all about creating handmade shirts and baby onesies with original, bold and lively designs and phrases. Nina says, “We believe in having your child wear a t-shirt that is as unique and fun as they are. We believe that nina and tom baby onesies, kids and adult t-shirts are more than just t-shirts, they are truly something special.”  

Nina and Tom share a passion for the environment and all their shirts are made in the USA from 100% cotton. These guys are so cool they were even featured in the book Gorgeously Green, written by Sophie Uliano with a forward by Julia Roberts. I purchased the “I’m Like Totally Organic” tee for my daughter and it was a smash hit at preschool this week. Other favorites of mine are the “ABCs” organic tee and the “I’m this many” birthday shirt. Lots to love so check them out and maybe you will want to pick up an adult tee like the “This Mama is For Obama” (Or not, we at PN steer clear of politics and just stick to design). Because they have such positive, feel-good messages and a care for the environment, it makes spending just 20 bucks on a shirt feel like a good deed. 

Comment to win a $50 gift certificate towards any nina and tom loot! One lucky Project Nursery reader will win and it could be YOU! Contest rules are below. Good Luck:

1. Share with us your favorite t-shirt saying by commenting on this post.

2. For Extra Credit: Subscribe to our daily email or if you are already a subscriber, just let us know!

3. A winner will be selected at random using www.random.org

4. Contest ends 11:59pm pst, Friday, September 19th.

CONTEST CLOSED

GO TO OUR SHARE FORUM TO SEE IF YOU HAVE WON

Tags: Cotton, Eco-Friendly, Giveaways, Organic, T-Shirts

In a bit of a silly mood today which is why I’m dedicating today’s post to good old fashion retail therapy. I’m usually on team practical, but every now and again I throw function out the window and go for lux instead. This strategy can be applied to baby as well…

First up is the sheepskin papoose by Bill Amberg. Perfect for ski trips to Aspen or family jaunts to St. Petersburg (Russia, not Florida). Makes my old Baby Bjorn look uncivilized! Retails for $500 at milkshop.com.

Not your average eco-looking trendy trike. The Road Hog tricycle by Airflow Collectibles has chrome wheels, tassels and a leather seat. For those less rock and roll, check out the Blue Sky and Pink Princess version. All bikes are around $299.

And finally these Zid Zid Moroccan gold ballet flats are so gold and gorgeous. Can I have a pair? They also come in metallic pink, green and silver. And at only $38, L’Enfant can feel like a princess for mere rubles.

Tags: Gifts, Luxury