Opening mail can be a total chore, especially when there are no party invites, sample sale notices or magazines in the bunch. But, I have to admit that I got a genuine rush today when I received the latest Serena and Lily catalog. I’m sure most of you received it as well so let’s go over a few things together, shall we?

They have added over 200 new products to their extensive line of nursery and children’s furniture and decor. Since I’m always based in the kitchen at home, I want the kids to play and hang out in the adjacent kitchen nook (so I can keep my eyes on them because when its silent and I’m not by their sides, I know there is mischief going on).  I’ve been looking for cute and practical seating options for them in an effort to make it more comfortable. The little square chairs by S&L would be a perfect fix and so portable. I like the orange piping with the turquoise basket weave print.

With a name like the Everyday Bin, who couldn’t find a use for them? Perfect for organizing the endless amounts of art table supplies: pens, paper, stickers etc.  But I think the first thing I really need is the new splat mat. My son is now insisting on using a fork at meals, just like big sister, and my poor floor is really taking a beating.

I think I’ll leave Serena and Lily’s new bedding collections for another post but don’t miss out on their adorable white bird lamp. Gender neutral and serene. I love the white on white and lucite base too. Lastly, check out the new Serena and Lily blog. They have featured an amazing nursery that is definitely worth a look.

Tags: Baby Nurseries, Play Rooms, Storage, Table Lamps

Side tables and night stands used to be so boring, making them just an afterthought. Not any more! All of the sudden I’ve noticed all these great and fun side tables which would be great in kids rooms too. I’ve decided its time to trade in my Target night stand which is currently in my daughter’s room but has made its way through almost every room in the house, and upgrade to something more exciting and fun. 

These clear peekaboo nesting tables from cb2 are so cute and would blend super girly with modern chic. At only $199 its the perfect price to add a little acrylic pop. Use together or scatter around the room.

I’ve had my eye on this pair of side tables from PB Teen for awhile now. The retro circles and shiny finish give off a bit of a Palm Springs vibe. They are on backorder but I’ve been told they should be available again soon.  

Lastly, the rich mahogany Cuban 3-Tier Table from Selamat Designs would look so sophisticated in a boys room (or anywhere in the house really). The 3 tier design is practical for storage or display and the sleek lines make quite the statement. All web orders will receive a 20% discount through July 28th! Maybe you’ll have to pick up the coveted Reo chair for the master as well…

Tags: Storage, Table

Grab your bin full of toys in a heartbeat when on the go with the Skip Hop “Bin Go” ! A seven hour car ride to Grandma’s house warrants alot of toys for entertainment. Often my diaper bag, aka former coveted Tod’s handbag, can’t accommodate all the toys, books, and DVD player required to satisfy a toddler. Where was the Bin Go last week when I needed it???

Skip Hop bins are made of soft yet durable canvas and come in three colors schemes to compliment any nursery or playroom.  The large circle rings provide “total totability” and come in two sizes. The large bins are ideal for blankets, toys and books while the Bin Go Table Top Organizer and it compartments can be utilized as a terrific portable diaper changing station (among many other things).

Off to Grandma’s house we go…prepared the next time! 

Tags: Storage

Environment is such an important part of a child’s development. Foster and soon-to-be adoptive parents, The “H’s”, have created an incredibly bright, cheery and engaging environment for their son’s new home. Project Nursery is delighted to share with you the inspirational details…

“Being foster/adoptive parents is something my husband and I had always wanted to do.  There is such a great need for quality foster homes (especially homes willing to accept sibling groups or minority races) that we felt that compelled to help and love some of these special children.  “H” came to us as a young baby due to severe physical abuse and has since blossomed into an amazingly happy, loving toddler. We are so excited that we will be able to adopt him and his sister within the next few months!!  Fostering him, although at times stressful and heartbreaking, has been an amazing experience that we feel so blessed to have been a part of.” - S.H.

What child wouldn’t thrive within such loving and playful surroundings? While most of us are on the never-ending search for wall art, little H’s mom came up with a brilliant interactive solution. Colorful wall decals spell out “PLAY TIME” in the room’s modern color theme: blue with red, orange and lime green accents. Below it, bins from IKEA were cut, separated and nailed to the wall to create fun stuffed animal toy storage and loads of entertainment for H. A superb idea for not only a nursery but a playroom!

H’s parents created a lively little boy’s room to sustain the active toddler years. Interlocking foam mats are used in place of an area rug to kindly cushion falls. A classic wooden bead maze is lifted off the floor and secured to the wall for play. An area at the bottom of the closet is cleared and filled with pillows , a mirror and wall mounted push lights for quiet time. Together, H and his new family enjoy endless hours of fun in his room!

H’s room is not just a nursery to sleep in but an example of a modern, vibrant and stimulating environment to learn and grow. We greatly appreciate the “H family” for sharing their story and son’s room with us. We wish you all the best and can’t wait to showcase H’s baby sister’s room in the coming weeks!

Tags: Baby Nurseries, Bright, Inspiration, Playroom, Storage, Wall Decals

Where to put all those cherished cards and well wishes for your little bundle of joy from friends and family? A hatbox or suitcase of course. Why file or toss in a box when you can place a delightful, decorative feature for all to see on a shelf in baby’s room? It’s just an idea and I hope you find it to be as practical as I have. Look to Land of Nod or Potterybarn Kids for a variety of prints and colors.

And for all you New Yorkers, visit Kate’s Paperie for more of these great boxed solutions often found on display. How much fun is a quick stop at Kate’s to browse anyway?

Tags: Accessories, Storage

Exhausted, I just finished cleaning up my son’s toys after a busy day of playing. I should also mention that I am jet lagged and survived a 6 hour flight where my little angel cried for 5 of the 6 hours on a late, late night cross country flight. Yes, I was that parent with that kid on the plane. I apologize to anyone who flew Delta flight #611 from JFK to LAX. Thank god for those gracious flight attendants who allowed us to sit in their jump seats in the back during the entire flight - a drastic measure to muffle the ear piercing screams. Anyway, I regress.

Tags: Giveaways, Legos, Storage, Toys

Tags: Storage, Toys

Today’s blog is dedicated to all you city moms. We salute you and envy you for living the city life so many of us dearly miss. We are thrilled to share with you an invention by NYC mom, Mary Ann Malone called the StrollAway by MetroTots. I certainly wish I owned one of these back in New York. Finally, a solution to get your kid’s stroller(s) out of your entry hall, away from the front door and out of sight from your neighbors (before the board comes after you)!

Constructed from sturdy steal, the StrollAway, hangs on the back of your closet door. The mount folds flush when not in use and fits any door width. For only $39.99 it’s certainly worth getting those nasty stroller wheels away from your baby’s mouth and hidden from plain view. I’m currently waiting for the wall mount garage and multi stroller version - coming soon. This way I can prevent myself from running over my other vehicle in the garage, the bugaboo!

Tags: Storage, Stroller

What is pink and brown and red all over? Hailey’s Room! Good for NYC mom Angela for keeping 14-month old, Hailey’s room red! This goes to show that there is no need to change everything for baby and it’s entirely possible to work with what you already have. Angela reached out to us looking for wall art ideas and shared how Project Nursery has inspired her to take a second look her daughter’s room. Of course we are thrilled to provide a few ideas…

Do pink and red really clash? When we were thirteen years old and trying to learn the rules of fashion, yes it did - like blue and black. But Angela joked that she actually likes her so called clash of pink and red. Our suggestion is to just go with it Angela! Legendary pop icon Andy Warhol, didn’t seem to mind when he created this “Daisy Pink On Red” painting in 1982 and neither do we. Copies are found at Overstock.com for $55 - an excellent buy to help finish a room.
A stretched, frameless canvas provides a clean, contemporary look. We took this lead from reader Barby who introduced us to the mod silk screened line at Jeeto. Here are our picks for Hailey…
Mom also mentioned that she wanted to incorporate additional lighting with the hopes of finding a kid-proof option. Create fun and adventure in the dark with these portable, rechargeable and durable lights by “Candela Tooli Nightlight/Lamp Set” found at Giggle.

Add function and color by using Land of Nod’s “Strapping Storage Collection” of baskets for reorganizing your shelving unit.

Finish off that comfy couch by incorporating cool pillows to tie in the room’s overall look and feel. Design Public has an excellent collection of kid pillows. Pay special attention to hot designs by Dwell Studio and notNeutral to complete the look!

Have fun Angela. We look forward to seeing what you choose to add to Hailey’s red hot room! And readers, she’s open to comments!

Tags: Baby Nurseries, Inspiration, Night Light, Red, Storage