Sock Monkey Virtual Room Makeover

The Room:

The issue: Heidi wants her one year old son, Martin to have a more pulled-together room, but they are on a budget. She prefers to keep the color the same in this room, and for a theme that can be unisex and not have to be redone for future little ones. Storage space is also a problem.

MY DESIGN PICKS
Because the family was on a budget, I tried choosing inexpensive or DIY projects when I could, centering only a few key items. Here's what I came up with:

If you are a fan of names being spelled out in a child's room, this is a great option. For a cheaper alternative, try using scrapbook paper in the key colors, and use a contrast color for the letters. Not EVERYTHING has to have the sock monkeys on them. Then, string it up with a ribbon.

*photo source unknown, please email me if you know where I can link to it



Another letter option are these great custom-painted sock monkey letters. But, at $18 a piece, they may not be friendly to a smaller budget. If you are handy with a paint brush, consider making your own version. (Click photo to buy)
I love these two artists: Kelly Pound and Marisa Hopkins (click to buy). Frame them with a solid colored frame (without glass), and you're ready to go.
by Marisa Hopkins
by Marisa Hopkins
by Kelly Poundby Kelly Pound

Dress up your light switch with this fun piece of art! At only $5, we think it's a steal! But, if it doesn't fit or is the wrong size, consider making your own! (Click photo to buy.)

Next up - Bedding. We realize that the little guy is still in a crib, but we love these sheets. And, since he's a toddler, we figure it's better to buy up rather than crib sheets that may not be used for much longer. Most of these colors could work in this room, although our favorites were the classsic red stripe or slate blue stripe. (These sheets can also be made into fitted crib sheets.)

I also liked this quilt - although at $395, it might not be the sort of thing that would fit in a smaller budget. So, consider a solid colored comforter, or perhaps just a throw. Add a few bright throw pillows to pack in a little extra PUNCH. (Click photo to buy)

What would a sock monkey room be without a sock monkey? This customized sock monkey is not only bright and funky, but he's got baseballs all over him - something our little room owner loves. This little guy would look great on the bed (in the bed) with the more original sock monkey or alone. This guy is about $25. (Click photo to buy)

Or, if you prefer the look of the original sock monkeys a bit more, consider having one custom made by Tamara (click HERE.) And, for the DIYers, check out how to make your own!


STORAGE SOLUTIONS:

One of the first things I noticed about the room, was the need for "boundaries" within certain sections. What I mean is, if you have a shelf and place objects on it, most likely (if they are used much), they will spill out all over the place. A great idea is to buy small containers - whether clear plastic, decorative boxes, or woven baskets. Buy several and use them to hold diapers, accessories, toys, etc. This will hold SO much more than if you were to not use them. These 2 baskets (for a set) are right under $16. This will most likely be the cheapest you find them, unless you scour clearance aisles and sales (which very well could pay off!) (Click photo to buy). Also, for a bit more color, you can also line these baskets/boxes with your favorite fabrics.

Heidi says that she and her husband use their son's closet as well, so finding ample space can be rough. If you haven't already, I HIGHLY recommend one of these closet organizers by Closet Maid. It costs right under $70, and they are awesome. Use the very top shelf for blankets, seasonal sweaters, etc. Put those things in clear plastic containers with lids and stack them as far up as you can. Use the top two clothing racks for your clothing, and the bottom left one for his. Canvas collapsible boxes/buckets (also at Lowes) can be bought inexpensively for the middle section to hold extra clothes or toys and books.

This storage piece is also great. It has the canvas "drawers" that can easily be taken out, or left in. Use them to stack toys in, or remove a couple of the drawers, and use it to shelve books instead. --Not to mention, the entire top of the piece. Only $79.99 at Target.

A few other things to consider: Try a hanging hamper to get the clothes basket out of the way, and to free up more floor space. Move the bassinet to storage if you are no longer using it. Use some unique shelves to make neat displays with colorful toys on the wall. To break up floor space, consider adding a fun rug to the room.

Room Makeover - Another Giveaway!

We're doing a Mega Giveaway, here! For this one, we're giving away a virtual room makeover for your baby or toddler's room.

Here's what it includes:

- We will look over the photos that you send to us (via email) and we will suggest paint colors, decor, and all the trimmings to make this room all that it can be (we'll even tell you where we think it'd fit best!).
- You can either tell us a theme you have in mind or we can suggest one for you.
- Choose a budget, and we'll help you stay in it with our suggestions (this INCLUDES families that prefer DIY projects)
- We'll gather a list of DIY projects/ craft projects that are easy enough even for beginners.
-And, you will also be entered into some great drawings for room accessories to match your new theme!!

So, we help you find that new look for your child's room - you pay nothing, AND you get the chance to win some additional free stuff! What's not to love?

This service is valued in at over $1,000 - and we're offering it FREE to 3 lucky winners! We will draw the winners this weekend, so hurry and sign up!!

To enter, please just leave a comment with your name and your email! Your email MUST be a working one! We'll contact you if youw in and get the other information we'll need (pictures, theme, budget, etc.)

For more great giveaways, visit here.

Save with TAG

Let your child's first banking experience be a good one with these wooden banks. The banks come in a variety of animals: Choose between a wooden bear, cat, dinosaur, elephant, pig, or snail bank!

Not only are these banks virtually unbreakable, but they also feature a mirror backing, so the child's money seems to be growing faster, encouraging them to save! These 2 inch thick solid hardwood banks would make a great statement in any child's room!

Click HERE to check them out!

A Room to Impress

Do you have an infant/toddler room that is in need of some sprucing up? Send us your photos to ashley (at) firstimpressionsbaby (dot) com and we'll randomly pick winners, who will receive expert advice on how to decorate and improve the functionality in the room.

To enter your photographs, please send (via email):

* 3-5 photos of the infant/toddler's room
* 1 or 2 photographs of the little ones to whom the room belongs
* their name
* their age
*their 5 most favorite things

Also, please include your name, relation to the child, and city/state (city/state won't be published without permission).



OR, do you have a beautiful nursery or toddler's room that you are incredibly proud of? Send it to us (at email above) for a chance to be showcased on our blog!

Kids' Rooms II - Girl Rooms

Living On A Dime

• Having a hard time doing the things you used to because money just isn't stretching as far?
• Having trouble figuring out what to fix for dinner that you can AFFORD, is healthy, AND will tasted great?
• Feel like you can't look great on your budget?
• Want to know how to clean on a dime?
• Want to get out of debt?
• In need of ideas for holidays and other special occasions that won't break the bank?
• Would you appreciate some new ideas for your low-cost ideas regarding children?
• Want to know how to make the most of your money at the grocery?

If you answered YES, to any of these...check out Living On A Dime and their comprehensive selection of ebooks. These great ebooks can teach you what you need to know about living more frugally - but, without having to give up the things you love - and, how to save money to do the things you've always wanted to do.

With these ebooks and a little careful planning, you could be on your way to living on a dime!

Thrifty Ideas for your HOME.

Yesterday, I posted some thrifty meal ideas...today, I thought I'd share some thrifty ideas for your HOME. :)

Make your own home cleaners. For starters, they are better for your health than clorox, lysol, pinesol, and most of the other cleaners. By stocking up on things like vinegar, tea tree oil (optional), baking soda, and other things...you can keep your house clean. It's easy, much cheaper, and much healthier. Check HERE for cleaner recipes.

Use your old walmart/grocery bags to line small wastebaskets.

Check out freecycle.org and craigslist.com for anything you may need around the house. And, when you are wanting to give stuff away (from old magazines to a piano), be sure to list it so someone else can get use out of it.

Your furniture and accessories looking a little drab? Before replacing them, consider reupholstering them...yourself. Or, if they aren't fabric, paint them or stain them. Or, try a new coat of paint on the walls to spruce things up.

Need cheap art? Buy some art paper and have the kids go nuts with non-toxic fingerpaints (OUTSIDE). Pick up some cheap frames (and paint them if needed). Frame the art and hang.

Another choice would be to find some of your favorite fabric and staple it to a framed canvas. Hang on walls for a cool effect.

What are YOUR ideas? Leave a comment with your ideas or a direct link to a post (if you blog) with your ideas!

Kids' Rooms!

Check out these great kids' rooms! For more info, click the pictures...

March - Go Green. Giveaway.

Monthly “Clean Up” Giveaway!!!!

I’ve decided to make this a monthly giveaway to do my part in helping the environment! Have you thought about "going green" but you didn't know where to start? Which products do I use? Are they more expensive in concentrate form? Which company to purchase products from, grocery store or a direct selling company? And last but not least, do green cleaners really work? Those were my exact questions as well.

Here's a great example of what you may not know about household cleaners. Take a look at this video called Toxic Brew. It was done by a Toronto news crew: http://www.theglobalsuccessteam.net/resources/wmv/toxic_Brew.html.

In my search for a non-toxic cleaning line, I found a wonderful company to purchase products from. I was introduced to this awesome line called Get Clean by Kristin Grayner, a Shaklee Independent Distributor. She decided to become a Shaklee Distributor because of this non-toxic line of cleaners. She wanted to make a difference for families and for the environment. Her mission, and one that I agree with, is to speak with families about the toxins they are innocently bringing into their homes through household cleaners. Not only has she helped the environment within homes, but she has affected the outside environment as well.

Every time someone purchases a Get Clean Starter Kit to convert their entire home in one shot, they are eliminating 108 pounds of packaging waste from landfills, eliminating 248 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions and it's the equivalent of planting 10 trees. One of the nice things about using these products is once you get rid of all those undesirable cleaners you may have in your home, you won't have to replace them with 27 more. You'd have to spend more than $3,400 in store bought cleaners, to get the same amount of clean that you do with the Starter Kit!

These products were featured on America’s favorite day time talk show 5 times last year and are considered a “favorite thing!”

If you'd like to enter into a national drawing for $250.00 worth of free products, you can do so at www.goshaklee.info, password XE88705. You need to watch the videos to be entered into the drawing. Shaklee will then choose someone each month! GOOD LUCK! Please disregard the automated e-mail you receive from the system, Kristin will thank you personally for your entry.

If you'd like a free sample of Basic H2, you can send a message directly to Kristin Grayner at graynerfamily@gmail.com. You can visit her website at www.PowerfulClean.com.
Through this blog, you can enter the win a bottle of Basic H2 (windows/mirrors and all-purpose cleaning), a 3-pack of spray bottles and a box of the vegetable based Dryer Sheets, which are recyclable! - Just leave me a comment with: your name, email, and why you MUST win. Two winners will be picked!

Be sure to check back March 24th, 2008 to see if you were the lucky winner!

Our Safety Pick of 2008

It's unfortunate that when it comes to childproofing your home, you are often forced to choose between safety and style. Until now, that is. Summer Infant has a BRAND NEW infant gate. Its iron, stylish, and absolutely lovely.

A few of my favorite things about this gate:
- It's a walk-through! I can easily open the gate with one hand, yet it's sturdy so Baby L can't open it.
- It's iron! To me, plastic just looks ...cheap. You work so hard on making your house look nice, and a plastic gate just cheapens all of the work you've done!
- The dark color. It's beautiful and I haven't yet found a wall color that doesn't go with it!
- It goes with any decor style. The small arch adds a touch of elegance, yet it remains simple in design.

Simply, it's my favorite.

Childproofing 101

For some odd reason, I never got around to childproofing. And, once Baby L was born, I either didn't have the time or was just too exhausted. And, now that L is a whopping 10 months old , I spend even more time chasing after her. I love her inquisitive nature, but it has come time to make it safe for her to "explore."

So, I'm writing a guide. Perhaps you are right there with me or...perhaps you've been there done that and just want to laugh as I crawl around on my hands and knees (they told me to) to find new perils that can befall my precious child.

My checklist:

_ Use Safety Latches and Locks
_ Put Safety Gates Up to block entry to stairs, and to rooms baby doesn't need to go
_ Anti-Scald Devices for faucets and Shower heads
_ Smoke Detectors (if you have one, test it)
_ Window Guards and Safety Netting to prevent falls from window, balconies,
decks, and windows OR purchase windows with window locks on top and
window stops so windows can't be opened further
_ Corner and Edge Bumpers for furniture
_ Outlet Covers and Outlet Plates
_ Carbon Monoxide Detectors for homes with gas or oil heat or with attached
garages
_ Door Stops and Door Holders
_ Door locks that can't be reached by a toddler (deadbolt).
_ Secure any furniture that could topple over
_ Remove anything within baby's reach that can break or be swallowed or is
otherwise harmful
_ Install a toilet safety latch
_ Tie up window blind cords and other cords that may be laying around


Any additions?

Nursery Themes III

**Click on the photos to find out more (source).

Works for Me Wednesday

Today, I have a few tips. I just couldn't decide which one I'd like to share for Works for me Wednesday...and then I decided, why choose when I could tell you all 3?

So, here are a few things that work for me:

Tip 1: If you or the little one has an earache or ear infection, try using garlic - olive oil drops. To make, simply crush a clove or two of garlic and simmer in olive oil. I don't really time mine, just wait until the garlic is pretty much mush. Strain the garlic pieces out and wait for it to cool. Use a dropper to put the oil in aching ears. You can keep the oil in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks (warming it as you need by placing the jar in hot water). *Some people say this is a "remedy" for ear infections...and although I can neither confirm nor deny that (I don't know yet), I CAN say it makes them feel a little better - even if only temporary :)

Tip 2: Use used dryer sheets to dust.

Tip 3: Use waxed paper on a swiffer mop to pick up dust and dirt. Just put the waxed paper on the swiffer mop like you would the swiffer wipes. Easy and LOTS cheaper than dusting (collecting dirt) with the swiffer mop. Also, for a wet wipe down, you can use a wet dish cloth on the swiffer mop.

Ta -da!

Office Storage Solution

Not a lot of room in your space? Or, perhaps you want to "hide" some paperwork or something else that needs organization (i.e. bills?!). Check this out. Click the picture to go straight to Pottery Barn, but I imagine this wouldn't be too tough to make if you are the handy sort.

Unique Storage Ideas for Kids' Rooms - Or anywhere else

Here are a few unique storage ideas. If you have some you'd like to share, send me the link and I'll post those too! You can click on the pictures to be taken to their website. Enjoy!

Classy Storage

At only 10 months, Baby L has accumulated a LOT of toys. And, since I've decided that 2008 will be my "Year of Organization," finding great storage for her room has become yet another mission for me. Here are a few things that I thought would go:

Tatutina

Achoo-Boo-Boo Tissue Box Cover

Little Box (Boy)

Little Box (Girl)

ABC Frame

Add a touch of whimsy to your little one's room with Tatutina. Bright, colorful designs from picture frames to precious boxes to creative organizers.

Tatutina's Achoo - Boo - Boo Box is the perfect tissue box with a great place to put essentials for the common boo - boos, all displayed neatly and ready to use.

The beautiful boxes by Tatutina make wonderful gifts for any little girl or boy on your list. Sweet boxes that can be used for anything, from extra storage to being a focal point in the nursery.

Insert a picture of your angel into the Tatutina ABC Frame, making the perfect gift to give to loved ones...

Check out Tatutina and tell us what your favorite is!

No room for a baby nursery? How about a baby nook!?

Check this out! You aren't always lucky enough to have an entire room for a baby's nursery...so make a baby nook. I saw this great idea on Small Spaces Big Style...and how cute! You can use this idea for corners, walls, or even closets (if you take the doors off) - add a curtain and pull it to the side with a ribbon for a cute effect and pull it closed when company comes over!

Nursery Themes

Nursery Redo

I love this little redo from HGTV's show: Decorating Cents.

Some of my favorite things:

• The matching trundle bed cover and crib bedding is actually 2 twin sized bed in a bags. The crib bedding was sewn from the extra bed in a bag.
• The "lace" trim which doubles as a nice place to prop photo frames
• The "medicine" cabinet that the re-purposed and hung as a mirror that would offer extra storage for "baby things"
• The fabric covering for the closet doors. GREAT for extra storage for all of those little toys you collect as baby grows (I KNOW I'm not the only one...right?)
• The lamp (beside the trundle bed). It's one of those make-your-own lampshade. You take off the paper so it's sticky, and they took a little baby dress and just put it right on! Very creative!