25
Aug
10

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Stepping Up The Kids Bathroom

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

When it came time for my little guy to be a big boy in the bathroom he needed a step up. I initially purchased a couple cute plastic steps that I scooped up on the way home from the Container Store. Needless to say, total child safety hazard. Every time my then 2 year old stepped up to reach the sink, the step would slide out from underneath him on the tiled floor.  This was an unfortunate reminder that quality is key, especially in a place like the bathroom where 70% of all household accidents occur. So when the beautifully painted, sturdy wooden step from our friends at Kt Steppers arrived, I was thrilled and so was Austin!

The mom of two and creator of Kt Steppers, Katie O’Neill conceived her personalized business when a family member was on the hunt for special gift. Perfect for “big” brothers or sisters, birthdays and births, Katie’s personalized touch and service has her custom steppers gracing celebrity nurseries from (my favorite) Natalie Morales to (Adrienne’s favorite) Bethenny’s Bryn.

Celebrating two years in the business, Kt Steppers doesn’t stop at the cricket step stool. They will also customize play tables, rockers, craft totes and more. However their designer steppers ranging from superheros to tic tac toe benefiting charities, are hands down the most popular. There is even a handy “Time Out” stool for mom – something most households with toddlers could benefit from ;)

Visit Kt Steppers for their super selection or check out the Project Nursery Editors Picks page to purchase our favorite chalkboard stepper – functional fun for reaching toys or books in the playroom.

And since we are a kid design blog, here’s the completed inexpensive kids bathroom makeover that recently took place in my home. I am too embarrassed to post the before pic of yellow and brown 1960’s tiles that cover all four walls, floor and ceiling but be sure to check it out HERE. It’s a testament to what a couple thousand bucks (and a sledge hammer) from Home Depot can do!

melisaaj120
About The Author: Melisa resides in Los Angeles, CA. Mom to two little active boys Austin & Chase and partner in Little Apple Design, a children's interior design firm specializing in e-design inspiration boards.
view all articles by Melisa

24
Aug
10

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DIY: Hip to be Square Revisited

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

My history with Project Nursery all started here…My first lil’ dude’s room!  Gosh, how time flies!!  I designed this room THREE years ago and managed to paint it while I was 7 months preggers…Wowser!  This color scheme and wall detail are still quite popular so per a few requests I decided to post a quick little ditty on the process and how to create the very same look (or similar) for you nursery.


Supplies:

Blue painters tape (1.75″ or 2″), a pencil, tape measure, an extra long level with ruler, a calculator, paint and all of the supplies you will need to paint and most importantly…patience!!

How To:

1. Measure the width of your wall (across)

2. Measure the height of your wall (up & down)

3. Ok…here is the tricky part…divide the distance into 5 equal parts, make sure to allow for the white border around the squares.  I used 1.75″ blue painters tape but 2″ would work as well

4. Sketch out your dimensions and measure at least two times – make sure to check your math

5. Once you have confirmed you measurements, start penciling your pattern on your wall

6.  Now that you pattern is measured out, plan what colors you will use and where…I used a random pattern and labeled it by number.  Although it was random, I still planned what colors would show where.  Keep in mind the bed will cover up some of it so make sure you like what is showing around the bed.

***If you have textured walls, it is near impossible for the paint not to bleed under the tape unless you “seal” the edge.  This technique can be done with paint but here is also a product that does the same thing. Click HERE for instructions on how to ensure flawless tape lines. (I haven’t tried this product yet but I will now!!)

7. If you wall is already white then all you have to do is tape up your grid and start painting!!

8.  Once you have painted a minimum of 2 coats you can remove the tape and start any touchups.  I usually remove my tape when the paint is almost dry…when peeling the tape off peel away from the section you painted.  Test a small area to determine whether or not your paint needs to be fully dry to remove the tape.

9. Sit back and admire you hard work…Great Job!

Fast forward today and this detail works great with my son’s transitioning toddler room, no more crib and I have added a pop of orange.  Happy painting!

Rebecca
About The Author:
Rebecca resides in Gilbert, AZ. She is an interior designer by trade, owner of Fresh Chick Design Studio and full time mom to Brandt and his baby brother Blake.
view all articles by Rebecca

24
Aug
10

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Giveaway: Win A Boat Tote For Your Bud!

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

We’re smitten over our readers and love interacting with you on our Facebook Fan Page. We want to reward you for helping us reach our goal of 5,000 fans on Facebook. As a thank you for introducing us to your fabulous friends we’ll be giving away multiple sets of Project Nursery boater’s totes. Each boater’s tote is made from 100% Cotton Canvas. Designed to be both lightweight and durable, this large PN boater’s tote is perfect for traveling or every day use.

WIN IT! Visit our Project Nursery Fan Page and push the “Like” Button at the top of the page if you haven’t already. Refer a new friend to “Like” our Project Nursery fan page too.  Ask your friend to post a comment on this blog post saying “I’m a new Project Nursery Facebook Fan. My friend (your name) referred me!” Contest ends September 30th at 11:59 PST.

EXTRA ENTRIES
There is no limit to how many friends you can get to join. The more friends, the more entries!

Each time we reach 500 new friends we will randomly choose a set of buddies from those comments to receive Project Nursery Boater Totes! The first set ($70 value) will be given when we reach 3,500!

Want one now? Buy it here.

Adrienne
About The Author:
An avid crafter with a love for the media, Adrienne is based in Los Angeles, CA. When she's not on camera or tweeting, Adrienne is creating beautiful and stylish handmade jewelry for her etsy shop.
view all articles by Adrienne

23
Aug
10

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Gallery Round Up: Everything is Coming Up Rainbows!

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

As hectic as life gets there are things that remind you to slow down and appreciate the moment. Did anyone catch the season finale of The Bachelorette when a much needed rainbow shot through the sky, bringing a sense of peace and a message of “it’s going to be okay?” Whether it’s a glimmer of ROYGBV shining through a spray of the garden hose  or a mighty arch smiling upon an urban highway, rainbows find a way to bring awe to all eyes of those who behold it. This week let’s take a look at Rainbow themed parties. The first is Kate’s Lollipop Party shared by PN Contributor Kim from The TomKat Studio. Rainbows never looked so delicious!

What’s the fun in having one color of hair when you can have every color? Party guests at this Circus Birthday Party took home souvenir photos of themselves in playful rainbow wigs.

Remember there are only 6 simple rules to a rainbow party: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet! Using a fun color mix of utensils, party poms, frosting, and favors, your colorful party can be as beautiful as Avery’s 4th Birthday.

As always, remember that more details and pictures are available for each party by visiting it in our Real Gallery!

Adrienne
About The Author:
An avid crafter with a love for the media, Adrienne is based in Los Angeles, CA. When she's not on camera or tweeting, Adrienne is creating beautiful and stylish handmade jewelry for her etsy shop.
view all articles by Adrienne

22
Aug
10

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Birthday Girl Fashion Series: Pettiskirts

Sunday, August 22nd, 2010

pettiskirts by dreamspun kids

As a party stylist, I am always on the lookout for fabulous options for birthday girls to wear on their big days! The options for special birthday attire are endless, but my favorite trend right now is pettiskirts! Layers of full, fancy fabric set the mood for fun!

pettiskirts available at layla grayce

My daughter, Kate wore an aqua Kaiya Eve pettiskirt for her first birthday, which was cupcake themed! Topped off with a custom rhinestone tank top, she couldn’t have been any cuter!

pettiskirt by kaiya eve

My best friend’s daughter borrowed Kate’s pettiskirt for her snowflake 1st birthday!

Also popping up are more and more pettiskirt dresses! These by DreamSpun Kids are adorable!

Stay tuned…I’ll be back with more fabulous attire options for your little sweeties!

Kim
About The Author:
Kim is a mother of two living in the Phoenix, AZ area. She has a knack for crafting paper goods and is known for her perfect party details. Learn all about Kim at The TomKat Studio.
view all articles by Kim

19
Aug
10

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Giveaway: Little Girls Heart Stella & Dot

Thursday, August 19th, 2010

If you haven’t already heard of Stella & Dot we are thrilled to introduce you to an amazing company that not only has chic and affordable baubles for mom but has just launched a new line especially designed for little girls. The Little Dottie necklace is just precious with the colorful beads, crystals and ribbon tie. My daughter feels like a princess when she wears it.

Stella & Dot Little Girls

Stella & Dot has revolutionized the way we can find and afford fashion forward jewelry, like the ever popular charm necklace that moms love to wear with their kiddies initials or the trendy cuff and bib necklace. Even celebrity moms like Salma Hayak and Debra Messing have been working these jewels. I was invited to my first Stella & Dot party last year and I was pleasantly surprised to discover many fun and fabulous pieces I wanted to own. Choosing just a few was the hard part.

Stella & Dot Mom Charm Necklace

Charm Collection

Stella & Dot stylist and avid Project Nursery fan (she was a reader back in 2008), Robin Silski talked to us about being a mom and finding time for something she loves, representing Stella & Dot. Melisa and I know all to well how tricky balancing family with work can be and its not unusual for a day to include running conference calls while nursing or blogging at outrageous hours. At the end of the day we wouldn’t have it any other way. Here is what Robin has to say about being a mom and entrepreneur. Don’t miss viewing the entire line of chic and affordable baubles on Robin’s Stella & Dot page or ask her to send you the latest Fall/Winter 2010 Look Book. You’ll be as hooked as we are!

Why do you LOVE owning your own Stella & Dot Business?

I‘m a full-time Mom & my husband is a firefighter, so finding a job that works with our schedule is next to impossible…or so I thought. Stella & Dot is the perfect fit for me. I can work while my son, Robby, is asleep and schedule trunk shows according to my husband’s schedule. I still have time for my family and to do the things I enjoy, like riding my mountain bike and gardening.

What I love most is that the business is truly my own. It’s fun AND profitable. It feels good to contribute financially to my family without having to spend a lot of time away from them. I don’t have any sales experience, but the product is so stylish and affordable, it sells itself! The parties don’t seem like work because I enjoy meeting new people and helping them try on jewelry. Stella & Dot is brand new, so the opportunity is just too good to keep to myself! If you’re interested in becoming a stylist, I’d love to show you what it’s all about- fun, affordable, full-filling, and profitable!

WIN IT: Robin is giving one lucky Project Nursery reader a customizable Mom charm on an 18″ chain with a birthstone briolette of the winner’s choice. An $82 value! Comment of this post with your favorite Stella & Dot piece or tell us what you think of the new Little Girls Collection. Contest ends Friday August 27th, 2010 at 11:59 pm.

EXTRA ENTRIES
1. Become a fan of Project Nursery on Facebook  and comment.
2. Follow Project Nursery on Twitter,  tweet about it and comment.
3. Subscribe or let us know you are a subscriber with a comment.
4. Post on our Forum and comment.
5. Blog it and comment.

*Please comment separately for each on this post.

CONTEST CLOSED

CONGRATS TO AMY!

Pam
About The Author:
Pam lives in San Francisco, CA and is expecting baby number three later this year. She is partner in Little Apple Design, a children's interior design firm specializing in e-design inspiration boards.
view all articles by Pamela

19
Aug
10

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The Feel Of Summer Year Round

Thursday, August 19th, 2010

One of my all time favorite themes for a nursery is the nautical/beach theme.  It’s summer all year long and I adore the crisp colors that accompany the look.  I put together some of the best nautical/beach nursery accessories.  Here’s to the last days of summer!

Nautical Bedding By Gordonsbury

Nautical Rug by Rug Market

Nautical Sconce by Charn & Co

For the wall art-by Oopsy Daisy

Oar Shelves by Authentic Models

Boat Bookcase by Newport Cottages

Michelle
About The Author: Michelle resides in Upper Saddle River, NJ, with her husband, two children, Stella and Nate and Wheaton Terrier Eloise. She is the owner of Bellini Baby & Teen Furniture in Stamford, the founder of the bean’s closet, and a licensed clinical social worker.
view all articles by Michelle

18
Aug
10

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“Ticings” Cupcake Decorations Made Easy

Wednesday, August 18th, 2010

I’m helping a friend plan a baby shower and while doing some research on-line for ideas, I found this wonderful site called Ticings.  ”Ticings are decorative edible icing sheets that add instant design to your standard iced cupcake, brownie, cookie and cake.” Really this idea is genius and affordable. A much easier way to create modern decorative accents on sweets than hand-piping yourself or ordering custom made desserts!  Ticings has decorative sheets for all occations from bridal showers to baby showers to birthdays and holiday parties.

Amazingly Ticings have no noticeable taste and take on the flavor of your frosting and dessert and are easy to bite through (not like marzipan). They are easy to apply, just like peeling a sticker.  Even your kids could do it!  Here are some images from their website to give you a better idea of this treasure find!

As an added bonus, they now offer customization of designs with no minimum.  Now you can personalize your desserts with a child’s name, monogram, or favorite character.

andrika
About The Author: Andrika lives in Manhattan Beach, CA and is a mother, interior designer, and editor of Nursery Notations, a blog devoted to helping moms and designers find distinctive items for children and inspiration for their rooms.
view all articles by Andrika

18
Aug
10

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Vlog: The Three Hottest Strollers Around

Wednesday, August 18th, 2010

As nursery designers, we are often asked for recommendations about all kinds of things outside of the nursery – such as strollers.  To make sure we stay current on the latest and greatest, we turn to our local stroller guru – Ben, the owner of Spoiled Beginnings furniture store in Orange County, CA.  During a recent trip to his store, we asked Ben to give us his top three stroller picks, and we created this video blog to share with the Project Nursery community – we hope you enjoy!

Our short video only included a few brief highlights for each of these great strollers, but each one has a ton of great features worth checking out if you’re in the market for a stroller.  To give you a few highlights from the video, Spoiled Beginning’s top three choices were: #1 the Orbit Stroller System, #2 the BOB, and # 3 the Mutsy 4 Rider Light.  Here are a few features from each of Spoiled Beginning’s top three choices:

The Orbit Stroller System is a celebrity worthy stroller with a unique 360 degree swivel system (which makes it so maneuverable and comfortable for everyone!).  The Orbit Stroller System comes with the car seat that snaps directly into the stroller frame – never having to shop for an infant car seat is nice!  Plus, we love the way the car seat was made to be a little easier to carry than many of the back breakers on the market today. The actual stroller seat is separate, as is the optional bassinet (which is adorable and comes with an additional set of legs to turn it into a rocking cradle inside the home).

According to Spoiled Beginnings, the BOB Stroller is the best pushing 3 wheel stroller on the market.  It comes in at a nice price point which falls in the middle of the stroller spectrum.  The BOB stroller is an all terrain jogging stroller with a large hood and sunroof – from experience, we’ve learned that kids love both of these things!  One of the nice features of this stroller is that the bar which holds the car seat in the stroller.  It works with several brands of infant car seats, and actually becomes the structure for snack trays when the infant car seat is no longer necessary.

Spoiled Beginning’s third choice surprised us – we were not familiar with the Mutsy brand, or with this stroller: the Mutsy 4 Rider Light.  However, it took no time flat for us to say “wow”.  Sure, the foam tires which never have to be inflated are nice, and the five point harness is super safe, but it was the “fun seat” that sold us on this stroller.  The fun seat allows the child to sit up and use a steering wheel to “drive” the stroller (pretend driving, of course).  It’s such an innovative and fun idea, and after all – shouldn’t strollers be fun?  Another great feature – this stroller has a ton of storage space – one thing no Mom can ever get enough of!

Spoiled Beginnings was also kind enough to give in depth stroller demonstrations on each of the strollers mentioned above, as well as a few other top picks.  You can view more detailed videos on each of them by clicking the links below.

BOB Single Stroller

BOB Double Stroller

Bugaboo Cameleon

Baby Jogger City Select Double

Baby Jogger City Mini Single

Mutsy 4 Rider Light

The Orbit System

If you’ve got an opinion about strollers, please share it with the Project Nursery community by posting your comments!  Have you purchased one of these strollers and have advice to share?  Perhaps you own another stroller that you would like to comment on…

Also, if you have any questions about these strollers, please contact Spoiled Beginnings at: CustomerService@SpoiledBeginnings.com

Gerri & Naomi
About The Authors:
Naomi and Gerri are specialists in juvenile interior design. Based in Southern CA, the pair has designed countless nurseries and kids rooms nationwide through their company, Little Crown Interiors.
view all articles by Gerri & Naomi

17
Aug
10

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Melisa & Pam’s Blogher ‘10 Recap

Tuesday, August 17th, 2010

We interrupt our fun design finds and inspirational party posts to share with you some personal highlights from our NYC trip to Blogher ‘10. Pam and I enjoyed over 7 years together in the Big Apple so coming back to town together was a real treat and a whole lot more exhausting with a couple of babies in tow. While the conference was jamming over at the Hilton New York with passionate blogging women and loads of corporate sponsors throwing swag our way, we couldn’t help but get distracted by the amazing shopping, food and nightlife New York is known for.

I kicked off the week with a lovely dinner in the West Village with the wonderful Kelly Lyden of  The Party Dress. It was great to finally meet in person after all this time. Unfortunately, our non-stop conversation made me forget to pull out my camera and snap a pic – darn it!

Just 24hrs before Blogher was about to commence, Kim Stoegbauer of The TomKat Studio (As seen above in Kate Spade) jumped on a plane to come to NYC for the opportunity to meet the Martha Stewart team and attend the conference. First order of business was to drag Kim downtown with me to Soho for lunch and power shopping. We had good luck at DKNY and particularly enjoyed Jonathan Adler Soho for both their air conditioning and new kiddie line, Jonathan Adler Jr.

That evening I scored an invite to the Martha Blogger party (thanks TKS) where I was delighted to get to know Rebecca Gruber, editor of the uber cool pop-parent site: Lil Sugar. Now the Martha party was really fun however maybe I had one too many glasses of champagne because all I have to show for is this really cute Oreo Cookie display. Hmmm, a perfect compliment to our Rebecca Prope’s Milk and Cookies invitation. (Note to self: This should be my son’s first birthday party theme). I then shared a cab with fellow blogger Andrea Chan of High/Low Food/Drink to the fun, young Opensky party. What a neat team. I enjoyed really meeting the folks there including my contact Pamela Epstein and charming French Pillow Designer Sylvie Guieysse of  Sylvie’s Pillows.

Blogher festivities started Friday. The tradeshow was sensory overload in a good way. One of our favorite booths had to be Assets created by Spanks founder Sara Blakley. Who doesn’t love their Spanks?!  And heck, why not enjoy a photo op with Bruce Jenner – the poor guy must have been asked about his girls all day long. I am living in LA after all so I get it. Lastly, we attended a design breakout session just to see our favorite designing mom blogger, Gabrielle Blair of Design Mom along with the adorable and talented Grace Bonnie of Design*Sponge.

On the last day of the conference we attended a glamorous little gathering hosted by super stylish moms, Elina Furman Landauer of Mamista and Nicole Feliciano of Momtrends. These two New Yorkers really know their stuff. We enjoyed mini makeovers at Hair Rules salon and checked out the hip, new iCandy strollers from the UK….Think more bling than Bugaboo coupled with incredible functionality one could only wish possible – particularly if twins are in your future. More on iCandy to come!

Enough conference talk. Here’s the real Pam and Melisa below. Living it up in Meatpacking, our old stopping ground way before it was built up, fancy and fab. I mean, when we were there – there was still meat! (It’s also where Pam met her husband Paul for the first time).

Thanks for following along!  XO, M

melisaaj120
About The Author: Melisa resides in Los Angeles, CA. Mom to two little active boys Austin & Chase and partner in Little Apple Design, a children's interior design firm specializing in e-design inspiration boards.
view all articles by Melisa
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