Aaren & Mike's Nursery

Good morning!

We had a great night of sleep.  Thomas went to bed at 9pm and slept until 6:45am with feeds at 1:15am and 4:15am.  There was a bit of crying at 3:15am but some shushing from mom and a pacifier he was back to sleep.  I was so happy!  This is the first time that he's gone back to sleep without being rocked. WOOHOO!!!!! I'm also working on getting him back to feeding every 3 hours instead of every 2 which he was getting accustomed to.  We are making progress. :)

We have a busy day ahead - nap, bath, play, hosting my SIL Maria and her kids for lunch and then off to the mall where Thomas will sleep in the stroller and I will get a bit of down time.  Right now he's trying to fall asleep.  We'll see if that happens.  I hear a few weak cries and then he's quiet again.  All I want to do is rock him to sleep because it's warm and cozy for both of us but I know it's a bad habit to get into.

My SIL Aaren and her husband Mike are expecting their first child in the next couple of weeks.  Hopefully soon as I know how uncomfortable she is right now.  Those last few weeks are brutal!

Here are pictures of their gorgeous nursery.  They did a wonderful job creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for baby.  Thomas and I have christened the glider.  He was mesmerized by the mirrors behind it.  Mike painted the two canvases above the crib.  LOVE THEM!  I've already put in an order for Thomas' nursery.  Will post pictures once they are completed.  The bassinet was Mike's as a baby.  His mom refinished it and passed it onto them.  All of the kids in his family including his niece and nephew have slept in it.  I think that is incredibly special.

Kyleen's Nursery

I'm swamped today so this is going to be quick.  My dear friend Kyleen is expecting her first baby sometime this week.  I'm so excited for her and can't wait to meet her soon-to-be daughter.  For now, we all get to check out the beautiful nursery Kyleen and her husband Andrew put together.  I think it looks fabulous!!  I especially love the wall colour, decal with hot pink birdies and the mirrored butterflies from Pottery Barn. 

*Please ask permission to use any of the photos in this post.

Good luck waiting for your new arrival and during the labour and delivery Kyleen!  Ryan and I are thinking of you both and can't wait to share the experience of being first time parents together.  xo

Jonathan Adler Nursery

I meant to post this yesterday but totally forgot.  The days just seem to fly by and then I get home and I'm exhausted!  I love the bold blue wall and colourful art and modern elements in this nursery.  The orange zebra rug completes the room and really brings it to life. 

We haven't made any progress on the nursery this week.  Tonight will have to be productive!  I really want to get the stripes on the wall and the furniture set up.   

Painting Horizontal Stripes

Happy Tuesday!  I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend as much as I did.  It was a busy one filled with a lot of family time, a lot of turkey and a bit of sleep.  I honestly loved it all.  Best weekend in a long time.  Today is a busy day at work so I'm going to get right into my post. 

As you know, I have been toying around with the idea of painting horizontal stripes around the nursery.  After seeing the white walls, I know they need something to liven them up.  I was also thinking of adding a tree decal with leaves falling.  Not sure if this is still a go.  I need to make the stripes work!  So for a little inspiration I have uploaded these photos for us. 

via houzz.com

via weedecor.com

via furniture4world.blogspot.com

via projectnursery.com

via Southern Hospitality Blog

via Southern Living

Have a wonderful day and enjoy the gorgeous sunshine.  At least in Ontario we will! :)

Nursery Update Part 1

Morning! I realize it's almost 11am and I'm just posting now. I've been stuck in the most boring meeting about budgets and repeat information. I swear my boss has a daily word quota that he needs to reach.   

Below are pictures of what I have purchased for the nursery thus far. The lamp is from HomeSense (Sat purchase) but I think know it's the wrong colour of green and will need to go back which is too bad because I really love the shape, size and colour. The knobs look much brighter in the photo than in person. Right next to the fabric they don't look right but on the dresser with a little separation and a lot of white they will fit in just fine.

The walls will most likely be BM Cloud White or Behr Ultra White (if tonight's paint session goes well). That's all for now…




Oh wait! Side story - Ryan purchased a can of Behr Clear Moon last night from Home Depot. He gets home; I open the can and know immediately something is wrong. It's thicker than molasses and has a blue tinge to it with bubbles. I test out a strip on paper to see that it goes on clear and tacky! My uncle took me back to the store for a new can. 50 minutes later we walk out with the correct base and the correct colour. The customer service girl was awesome to deal with! She was almost as annoyed as I was and gave us 50% discount on the new can with our money back on the defective can. It has definitely not been the best of experiences with Behr but I’m still willing to give it a try. Thank you Home Depot customer service for being so great to deal with!



I will let you know how it goes tonight.

Autumn Tree

I love the way this looks with the leaves falling and the quote on the side. I think it would be sweet to put a nursery rymne on the wall next to the tree.  

Wall Decors via Etsy

Art for the Nursery

Bomobob's shop on etsy has the most adorable 8" x 8" photo art of a carnival that I've ever seen.  It's very ethereal and feautres all the colours I want for our nursery.  I think it will look fantastic with large white mats in either a coloured frame or black frame.  Not sure which yet.  I would do a white frame but the walls will most likely be white or a very faint blue. 
These are my picks. 

What do you think? 

Nursery Paint & A Cool Glass-top Dresser

Morning! I apologize for not posting yesterday. My day just got away from me and became very stressful. Luckily it ended with a few laughs and a great chat with my sister Katie. :) Love you!

I have the nursery on my mind today. I'm about 80% sure I felt the baby for the first time last night. It felt like a slow motion flutter across my lower belly. Very cool sensation!
I might have featured this room before. Originally, I was thinking white or a hint of blue on our nursery walls with black or green tree decals but now that I see the grey I love it with the white vinyl’s. What to do??
I also really like the idea of placing tinted blue green glass on top of the dresser to protect the top and add some more colour. It will look very cool with my green and turquoise colour scheme. This week I'm on the hunt for affordable light green glass knobs to replace the plain white wood ones currently on the dresser. It will just add another layer of interest to the room.

Martensen-Jones Interiors

Baby Product Wish List

I came across a very cool product today.  The ITZBEEN Baby Care Timer.  It has four timers to help new, sleep deprived parents remember and communicate tasks like how long ago they changed a diaper, fed the baby, put them down for a nap, or gave them medication. It will remind you at various intervals set by you. It comes with a belt clip, nursing reminder switch, illuminated display, clock, and a soft nightlight for changing diapers in the dark.  I know this product is going on my registry! 

Ah, it's Friday!

After suffering for many hours yesterday with yet another migraine headache I'm back!  Feeling more energetic and with a bigger belly.  I'm still trying to wear my own clothes (pre-pregnancy) but I have a feeling this may be one of the last weeks that it's possible.  The bella band is helpful but makes me feel a bit snug. 

I have a lot to accomplish at work today and a big to-do list for home projects this weekend.  I haven't had a chance to pull the nursery idea board together yet (pregnancy symptoms are really getting in the way).  I did however come across this beautiful nursery for Tiffani Thiessens daughter.  I love it's clean lines, comfy chair, soft rug, the wall decal and the soft purple.  It's perfection.  I'm aiming for a similar feel but with white and green. 

I want to show you pictures of our freshly painted kitchen.  Ryan's had the camera all week at work so i'll try and get that done this weekend.  We still need to order drapes (I might have found the fabric), purchase a dining table, build/paint the chalkboard and find art or something for one of the larger walls next to the dining area.  I like the idea of placing a large clock in the room.  What do you think?

Have a great day!!  xo

Which Colour will I Choose for...

Our nursery?  That's right folks, I'm just over 13 weeks pregnant!!  Our little one is due January 17th, 2011.  As you may have already guessed, this is my real reason for not posting as much (not the lame ass excuses I gave two weeks ago).  The last few months have been a rough ride for me.  I've experienced everything under the sun - morning sickness, dizziness, exhaustion, digestive issues...etc.  You would be hard pressed to find a symptom I haven't experienced yet. 

I started to feel more like a healthy version of me two weeks ago.  I still get very tired and have a bit of nausea here and there but for the most part I'm feeling more energized and very excited. 

Now that it's out in the open I need to start talking colours.  We are not going to find out the sex of the baby (Ryan's wish) which is making it slightly difficult to narrow down colours.  I don't want the typical green or yellow room.  It's just not my style.  Our house already has way to much yellow on the walls which I'm painting over (well not me but my uncle and Ryan).

I was thinking about something like the Natasha bedding from Serena And Lily.  Do you think it comes across as more girlie or could it be a good start for me?  I like the turquoise and green mix. 

Let me know your opinion.  I'm dying to get started on the room!

xo

Serena & Lily

Have you heard of Serena & Lily?  I remember seeing a post about their Prague Market Sling but didn't know anything else about the store until I toured last night.  It's an online store offering stylish accessories, furniture and linens for baby and moms.  Some of the products are organic certified. 

I adore the baby bedding collection.

Ben

Kate

Marlo

Natasha

They have a great selection of throw pillows in bold and classic patterns.

I go weak in the knees for a good throw.  It must be because I'm always cold and like the punch they can give a neutral backdrop (sofa, bed, chair, outfit...)  I love them in all different colours and if they are soft then I'm a sucker.  I'm thinking of buying their Alpaca Throw in periwinkle blue. 

What are your weaknesses?  Have you discovered any new online stores?  I'm always on the hunt. 

Have a great day!! xx

Take a seat!

Yeah it's Friday!  I have a busy day of work ahead of me and little motivation.  Thank goodness for tea!  :)  A colleague and I have a manicure booked at lunch and then plan on hitting up the gym after work.  After a good sweat session it will be back home to hopefully get lost in my latest book Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult. 

It would be great to sit in this room and read.  How great are these chairs!  I love the hit of colour on the skirt and the detail on the ottoman.  This is where I would like to be right now.  And seriously how perfect would this little nook be off a nursery!  Add gliders to these chairs and it's a perfect spot for mom and dad to sit and enjoy baby.  All you girls who are pregnant take notes.  :)

Have a great day!  xo  Sarah

Traditional Home

Baby on the brain

I have babies on my brain today.  Well, maybe I should be more specific; I have baby nurseries on my brain.  Don't worry hun, I don't want to have a baby today!!  Someday, yes! :) 


I have noticed a surge in interest for decorating the nursery as carefully as the rest of the house. Those little eyes need stimulation.  I think that's what the following nurseries do very well.  It's also important for mom and dad to feel comfortable and love these rooms as well since they spend ALOT of time in here during the first few months. 


I love the bright blue walls of this nursery and the vines on the wall against the crisp white crib and change table.    

Better Homes and Gardens

I adore the large lettering on the wall, the rug and the espresso coloured furniture against the cool blue paint.  One of my favourite colour combinations is blue and brown. 

Picture via Design*sponge

This is Jenna Lyons (J Crew creative director) nursery.  I love the wallpapered ceiling against the black wall.  I've seen this yellow and white stripe design in many photos lately.  I must find the name.  A very contemporary nursery! 

Picture via google images

The nursery below is by Wendy Bellissimo for Kelly Rippa's daughter Lola.  I love the mural on the wall!  It's such a classic image.  I wish the ceiling were painted a light blue.  I think it would have pulled the look together a bit further.  But seriously, who am I to judge the designs of Wendy. She has been doing this much longer than me. 

Picture via google images

This has to be the most beautiful nursery I have ever set my eyes upon.  It's GORGEOUS!!!  What else would I expect of Jennifer Lopez! 

Image via annie-thejourney

This room is modern girlie.  I love the grey paint with pink details against the crisp white furniture.  The black and white Chinoiserie fabric and the white chair and ottoman with black piping is fresh. 

Picture via Posh Tots

Another gorgeous grey nursery with what looks like lilac accents.  LOVE!!

Picture via Little Crown Interiors

On another note, it's FRIDAY and the LAST LONG WEEKEND OF THE SUMMER!!  ENJOY FOLKS!  


XO