Having recently celebrated Earth Day, I wanted to focus on a great kids’ product line that gives you all the pieces needed to create an earth friendly and oh so hip playroom for your kids. When I first saw ecotots’ art easel I was actually jealous that I was no longer a kid…then I took a deep breath and thought perhaps I should buy it for my own kids and live vicariously through them even though that isn’t quite as fun. Either way, I think if you are looking for great products that are earth-friendly, very unique but still sturdy and well-made then the ecotots line is for you. Made in the USA, non-toxic and water-based stains, no tools assembly, and a lifetime construction guarantee are just a few highlights of this line. I was drawn in not only by the art easel, but the color of their “leaf” finish. Obviously I have a thing for green, so this is no surprise, but I also think all four of their color choices actually enhance the line – they are the best combination of fresh and unique with just enough touch of modern.

The ecotots line covers all the basic pieces you are probably looking for like a table and chairs set, desk, step stool, and bookshelf. But they also have some really fun and different pieces like their art easel, locker, book caddy and surfboard growth chart. Personally, I am picturing my girl’s playroom now, and these are the pieces that I would love to see in there (all in leaf, of course, but I will show you examples of their other finishes so you get more of an idea of their full line!):

Art Time Easel – so they can express themselves and let their inner artist shine:

Sideboard Storage Unit – hopefully to help keep things organized and clean:

Project Table and Stool Set – I love that they have stools, not chairs…so much easier for kiddies to move around and get in and out:

Bonsai Book Caddy – to house all of their favorite books:

Beach Locker – to hang their art smocks and store their art supplies in some cool metal tins:

Be sure to check out the complete ecotots line on Rosenberry Rooms as well as all the other Earth-Friendly products they offer…

Adriana Dehring

Max Traveler Stroller in Mocha and Blue by Baby Planet

I can’t think of a better day than Earth Day to write about my favorite Earth Friendly Baby Gear product – The Max Traveler baby stroller.

There are so many reasons I have chosen this baby stroller to be my pick of the week:

1. The super-modern colors and design. It’s almost so cool that its futursitic.
2. This stroller is ultra-lightweight. As a mom, we often are out and about by ourselves with kids and folding, unfolding and lifting the baby stroller can take a toll on your muscles. Not this one – this stroller is so light that I can lift it into my car with one hand.
3. 2 Cup-holders – one for my coffee and one for my water bottle. In my opinion, there is nothing more crucial to a baby stroller than ample cupholders!
4. Earth-friendly construction – Another wonderful bonus when choosing baby products is to consider the eco-friendly baby gear available.
5. Right now this amazing stroller is on sale at Rosenberry Rooms for only $297 AND you get FREE SHIPPING!

Read more about the Max Traveler Stroller in Mocha and Blue by Baby Planet
Shop for Earth-friendly baby gear at Rosenberry Rooms

Happy Earth Day!

Amber

The Best Gift you can give Your Baby at his Birth

When my son was born 10 years ago, somebody mentioned to me that I should write down everything about his birth so that I would always remember. At first, I thought that was ridiculous – I would ALWAYS remember every detail of his birth. He was my firstborn and the experience so powerful and all-consuming that I was sure I would never forget a single detail. So, when he was about three months old, he was sleeping better and I started to have some time on my hands. Also, the exact details of his birth only 3 months ago were not as crisp and I started to think perhaps my memories would fade after all. I decided to form my memories of his birth into a letter to him. I titled the letter “The Happiest Day of my Life”. (Later, after my daughter was born, I went back and revised the title to “The Happiest Day of My Life – Part 1″!

I wrote down everything about the days leading up to his birth. I wrote down who was there, who I called, how I felt. I wrote down how his father was so excited, how the soon-to-be grandparents were already on their way. I wrote down how his father’s face was glistening with joy at the first sight of him. I wrote down how we called his name when the nurse took him to clean him up and I swear he was searching for our voices. I wrote down how that singular moment that he entered the world changed our life forever and that I had never in my life imagined I was capable of such intense love for another.

I wrote it all down – then I folded up the letter and put it away in one of his special baby boxes. I left it there for 7 years.

On my son’s 7^th birthday, we went through his baby box and found the letter. I read it out loud to him. He silently listened with a curious expression on his face. I tell him I love him every day, but somehow, this letter was proof that he was loved from the very start. I will never forget that hug he gave me when I had finished.

Now, each year on his birthday, I get out the letter of his birth and read it to him. It is a treasured memory we look forward to every year. When his sister was born 2 years later, I wrote a letter for her, too, and we read her letter on her birthday.

This year, my son turned 10 and it was a hard time for me. Me? The mom of a kid in double digits? Where did all the time go?

This year, when my son asked for his birthday letter, I surprised him. I had written a new letter titled “My Son – Highlights for the First 10 Years”. In this letter I told him how much I enjoyed knowing him, the special person he has become. I outlined the qualities that make him unique. I included some hysterical times and things he’s done. I reminded him his heart is full of love and how much I appreciate what a great big brother he has always been. I also pointed out some ‘quirks’ of his that I could do without that had him on the floor in a fit of laughter.

This letter will go in his box next to his birth letter.

If you give one gift to your baby and yourself, write that letter to your baby. Years later, it will be priceless. Keep it in a special place. Here are a couple great boxes for your child’s birth letter:

Fresh Greens Toy Box

First Impressions Toy Box

Shop for more great childrens toy boxes at Rosenberry Rooms

Amber

We have always been told that painting is the cheapest and quickest way to update your decor. But what if you don’t want to re-paint the room? What if you still love the color (and so does your very picky child)? What other options do you have for quick and inexpensive decorating updates? There are actually tons of little ways to update your child’s decor. Since design is in the details, you should focus on the details to bring about change – throw pillows, drawer knobs, lighting, shades, rug, and window treatments are just a few of the quick and wallet-friendly options that can change the entire look and feel of the bedroom or nursery. Since everyone is looking for ways to save a little money, it is smart to make some small yet significant changes around your child’s room – you will be amazed at how fresh everything seems and they will have the excitement of something new and interesting to look at every day.
This Red Letter Pillow would be the perfect addition to any boy’s bedroom – just enough color to stand out, yet simple and fresh. And I think the use of a lowercase letter for the personalization keeps it youthful and fun.

I often forget about outlet covers (and I’m sure most of you do as well), because they are just not that interesting, BUT look at how cute this Small Whimsy Flowers Switchplate / Outlet Cover is. What little girl wouldn’t love this added little touch of charm in her room?

Another often forgotten detail is drawer knobs and pulls. There are so many that I think are awesome, but one of my favorite for boys is the Distressed Boat Pulls. Just replacing the knobs on your little guys desk or dresser will completely refresh and revive those furniture pieces and make his room a little more exciting.

With this Ella Elephant Nightlight, you can cast just enough light in the nursery during the long night hours, and in the daytime, it is like a mini canvas. So, it is functional and a piece of art all in one…what’s not to love?!

This adorable Airplane Hand Painted Wall Plaque is a great alternative to add a little color, interest and artwork for a little boy’s room or nursery. Don’t forget this would also make a great gift as well.

So, as you can see, it doesn’t take huge changes or expensive pieces to update decor for your little girl or boy. Just focus on updating or adding a few details and you will successfully change the look and feel of the bedroom or nursery. Rosenberry Rooms has such an amazing selection of great kid’s décor pieces that are affordable and truly perfect for a quick “lift” for your child’s room…have fun and shop around until you find the perfect pieces. Trust me, they are there!

Adriana Dehring

I am so excited today to be writing about an outstanding lighting designer (and one of my personal favorites), Charn Pennewaert of Charn & Company. If you have had the pleasure of seeing the Charn & Company custom lighting and décor line, you can easily see that Charn is one of the most creative and talented designers in the children’s furnishings industry today. Pairing amazing fabrics from well known children’s linen designers such as Pixie Dust Décor, Maddie Boo, Caden Lane and Elizabeth Allen with custom paint colors and exclusive lighting designs makes Charn & Company stand out above the rest. Although there are endless options available, Charn manages to make the design process easy by offering great coordinating fabrics and colors, while giving creative freedom to our customers to add appliqués, choose trims and select custom finishes. How incredible it is to be able to custom design the lighting for your child’s room with the click of a button, and to own a one of a kind designer chandelier, sconce, nightlight or lamp! In addition to the hand painted finishes and fabric selection available, the shapes and designs of each chandelier, wall sconce, lamp base and shade are incredibly stylish and beautiful, resulting in a truly unique look.

What really strikes me about Charn’s designer lighting line is that somehow the shapes and silhouettes can be appropriate for both boys and girls, depending on the colors and patterns selected. Many lines have very distinct feminine and masculine products, with flowers and crystals for girls and sports or transportation themes for boys, whereas Charn’s lighting has an inherent versatility and fluidity allowing for a broader appeal. Although Charn & Company is widely recognized for its cottage style, the new ceiling pendants (available in many shapes and sizes) are so sleek and modern, adding an entirely new dimension to the line. I adore Charn’s new multi tiered ceiling pendants because the range of looks available is limitless, and again, they are fabulous for both boys and girls rooms. For a clean and classic look, choose a solid fabric with contrasting solid trim in a traditional round shape or for a bold statement, choose a great modern print in a hexagon or square shape.

Charn doesn’t stop with designing custom lighting; she has branched out into the home accessories and décor realm with her stunning shabby chic Bella line. This incredibly sweet and feminine line is perfect for the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen or office, featuring everything from mirrors, wastebaskets, tissue box covers and stepstools all embellished with floral appliqués and, of course, available in three gorgeous shabby colors: white, cream and pink.

It is my pleasure to share the Charn & Company designer line with our customers, but especially to introduce the artistic founder and owner, Charn Pennewaert. Just as Charn’s parents were a creative inspiration to her, she is an inspiration to us … encouraging us to think outside the box when it comes to decorating and sparking unlimited creativity in the design process.

Susie Fougerousse

How would you define the Charn & Company style philosophy?

Charn & Company’s style is classic and unique. When designing our products, we strive for a classy style. We’re not about copying other products because it is the trend. We want to be the leader of today’s style. Creating your own look is what makes our products unique. Quality is important to us. If is not made well, we won’t put our name on it. We want our customers to be absolutely satisfied with our product. It has to be love at first sight and a long love affair after that.

What inspired you to become a designer and start a business?

My parents inspired me to be creative and be innovative. At an early age, it was all about fabrics, colored pencils, and paper. What could I create with all that I had around me? Seeing my parents make custom furniture and custom lighting (which the lampshade styles still exist today) made me feel the thrill of wanting to start my own business. Fresh out of college, I knew it was time to put my name on something that no one had thought of before – custom lighting for children’s rooms was born.

Why did you choose to design for children’s rooms?

Having four children of my own, it was easy to think of all lighting for children. Every child has his unique style and through their precious years, it is important to inspire their own style and space.

What is your favorite part of your daily work … when you reflect on the day, what is most rewarding?

The best part of the day is personally answering my customer’s questions and comments. Helping excited customers create their custom chandelier or lamp with fabric advice and finish colors.

Do you have any advice for other working moms?

Today’s moms have a tough job – balancing their children and work. Balance is the key. Make sure your children are first on the list and then comes work.

If you had to pick a favorite design from your collection, what would it be?

That’s a hard question….but if I had to pick, our chandeliers are very unique and cool looking. They are not over the top and just look really stunning with the right color and fabric. I have my wooden chandeliers in every room of my home.

What sets Charn & Company apart from other children’s lighting designers?

We are all about custom – custom colors, your choice of fabrics, and style. We make to order and because each product is custom, we make sure it is done right.

Do you have any news that you would like to share, perhaps about upcoming designs or introductions to your line?

We have just introduced the New Caden Lane Lighting Collections featuring cool pendant shapes in multi levels. The modern patterns and bright colors are just ideal for our modern pendants. This collection will be available in mid April 2009.

Now…Just for Fun

Favorite Food My husband’s homemade spaghetti

Favorite TV Show American Idol

Favorite Movie Shawshank Redemption

Favorite Weekend Activity Playing with my kids

Favorite Band Billy Joel