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

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

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

Project Nursery started because of a home decorating dialogue between two friends and we now want YOU in on the discussion with our new SHARE FORUM! We are sooo excited about our new forum hence, the BIG and we mean $1000 BIG GIVEAWAY thanks to our incredible sponsors. Check out the serious swag below that ONE lucky Project Nursery reader will win!

Surround yourself with beautiful things! Layla Grace is a stunning boutique that has a little of everything for everyone…women, children, gifts and home. It’s not often you can find one place that offers looks ranging from modern to cottage. When combined, it creates a one of a kind eclectic look we love so much.

 So fabulous and so necessary for sleeping time! We appreciate SoMi baby’s good looks and functional features.

 Not only do we love Lillybean Designs for their sweet stationary but for their flexibility. Custom orders are a breeze! Email Shawna direct for all your printed paper needs.

Feed baby with ease…anywhere! We would never leave the house if it wasn’t for Bebe au Lait. You’ll look good and feel good too.

   Who couldn’t use a professional interior designer? We know you’ll like Lesley so much - Watch out! You may end up redecorating your entire home!

Sally’s Clippies makes Melisa want to have a girl sooo bad so she can do her hair with their fun, fabulous clips and headbands.

 Why didn’t I think of this??? An ingenious idea and Project Nursery must have for all the little drippy drooly babies out there.

Two Madison Paker Toddler Tees ($60 value)

 We like us and think you could always use a second (and third) opinion or a little design inspiration for your kid’s room by yours truly, Little Apple Design, the Project Nursery Editors.

There are three (3) ways to enter & win. We encourage you to enter by each and every method!

1. COMMENT ON OUR NEW SHARE FORUM! Sign up and either ask a question or provide an answer within the month of September. Basically, start chatting with other PN readers! You will automatically be entered in our giveaway. Each posting (up to five) will count toward one entry.

2. SIGN UP FOR OUR DAILY EMAIL OR RSS FEED and tell us that you did OR tell us that you are already a subscriber on this post (Thank you for your support subscribers!).

3. VISIT OUR SPONSORS and share with us your favorite product(s) from our wonderful sponsors on this post.

Each entry (in the order above) will be assigned a number. The number will be choosen by random.org. The winner will be notified via email and have three days to respond. One reminder email will be sent on the third day and if another 48 hours go by with no response, the next number on the list will be notified. US and Canada residents only.

CONTEST ENDS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1,  2008, 11:59PM PST. CLICK “SHARE” BELOW TO GET STARTED!

Good Luck and We look forward to chatting with you!

Melisa & Pam

Tags: Bedding, Blankets, Clothes, Design Boards, Feeding, Gear, Hair Clips, Paint, Sleepsack

Happy Friday! Thought you could all use a boost by watching the KABOOST video! I think it’s funny, entertaining and from a marketing perspective - it certainly gets the point across. I was never one to lug around my portable highchair to begin with but this sure beats having your kid sit on their knees or in a dirty restaurant booster chair. The KABOOST snaps onto almost any chair in a matter of seconds, moves with the chair for safety, comes in three color options for good looks and is ideal for children ages 20 months to 6 years old. Just when your baby is no longer a baby but needs that extra boost to be like Mom and Dad, why not try the KABOOST at your table for just $29.99. Find the KABOOST at major retailers such as Target and Babies R’US. Oh, and if you don’t believe me since my little guys isn’t 20 months yet, make sure you read these testimonials for yourself!

Purchase the KABOOST now to receive the new KABOOST Travel Bag (valued at $9.95). Just send in your proof of purchase to TravelBag@KABOOST.com and mention “PROJECT NURSERY” to receive the travel bag for FREE!

Tags: Feeding, Gear, Seating, Travel