Archive for August, 2009

These days everyone is preparing for their kiddies to head back to school. We are preparing our toddler for preschool which starts in just 2 weeks…where did summer go?! Well, now that our focus is lunches, homework assignments, and carpools (among the sports and activities after school) I thought it would be good to highlight some of the fun school basics that Rosenberry Rooms has. You may or may not be needing a new desk, but there are also plenty of other fun basics that will make your child’s first day or return day to school fun and exciting.

Desk and Hutch – giving your child a place that is theirs will make homework and assignment time much more interesting and easier to get done. Now there are so many different styles of desks and hutches that you can go as simple as you like or get one that basically stores and organizes everything but your child! Choose based on your child’s age and how many years of school they have as well as how much space there is in their room. For a toddler who is just starting out, you can simply choose the desk portion and wait on the hutch until they are further along and will need the storage for books and other personal items. Don’t forget that many desks now have the option of a keyboards drawer that slides out, which is convenient and very practical especially as your child grows and will inevitably be using a computer. Lastly, style is obviously a big factor, but there is no need to worry there…traditional, modern, or somewhere in between you will find one you love. Personally I love the over all style of the Treasures Desk and Hutch by Alligator Enterprise – they have awesome color combinations and great features like a file drawer and slide out keyboard tray. Alligator Enterprise is a wonderful children’s furniture line altogether, definitely worth every penny.

Lunch Box – why not bring back the memories from your own childhood and get a cool personalized lunch box for back to school? Let’s face it, they are much more exciting that a brown paper bag, and in the end will save you some change. There are a few styles out there that are really cute, but one of my favorites is the Robot Personalized Lunch Box. Not only is the design great, it is personalized, and has a slew of features like being lead free, waterproof and food safe, plus having a dry erase sheet affixed to the inside of the lunchbox lid – perfect for leaving a note for your child. This designer offers plenty of other styles for both boys and girls…you will be able to match your child’s personality perfectly!

Memo Boards, Cork Boards, Chalkboards – Let’s be honest, the part about back to school that is not so fun is trying to keep everything organized, schedules straight and calendars in sync. So, what better way than for each child to have their own board to have reminders and lists of activities, assignments and other important dates for the week and month? I think it is the best way to keep on top of everything, and there are some really fun options out there to choose from these days. You can opt for something more simple just framed in wood, or if you want to really personalize it, you can go with something a little more “interesting”. I absolutely love the Pink Patent Leather Memo Board – what a great idea to use white patent leather as the background fabric…any girl would love this, it is just fantastic!

Some other things that would be great for back to school are items from eeBoo like their alphabet wall cards, counting cards, memory games, and language flash cards. You can check out all of the eeBoo line here. There is also some great art by Oopsy Daisy such as the mural banners of the world and the USA which are tools for learning as well as pieces of décor. Check out their mural banners here.

Enjoy the chaos of these back to school days and happy shopping!
Adriana M Dehring

Baby is growing fast inside you and it is time to start getting a list of all your baby essentials together so your family and friends will know exactly what you want, need, and can’t live without. On your list will inevitably be a diaper bag which seems like the easy decision, until you start looking. You just want a simple, brown bag. Or do you? Suddenly you start to realize just how many different styles, fabrics, patterns and overall options you have when choosing a diaper bag. Now the plain brown bag doesn’t seem so perfect. Amidst the overload of information and options, I will let you know the basic styles that are available to you, hopefully making it a little bit easier for you to decide which one will suit your needs just right. Then you can have fun deciding on what color and pattern fits your personal style!

Messenger – this type of bag is great because it is worn over the shoulder, allowing you to carry baby or push the stroller without it slipping down your arm or restricting your movements. Typically they are made with a flap, which also allows all baby’s things to stay secure and safe inside, eliminating the possibility of everything falling out when you lean over or set it down. The messenger style diaper bags will also look more like a laptop or school bag, which is great for those who really don’t want the “look” of a diaper bag. This style is perfect for trips to the zoo, museum or any other place where you want versatility and a hands-free type of bag. One of my favorites is by Holly Aiken who makes amazing vinyl bags in several sizes and styles. The Black and White Daytona Airship Messenger bag gives you plenty of room to carry the essentials, external and internal pockets, matching changing pad and adjustable strap. The added bonus is the hip and urban style that is fitting for both mom and dad.

Tote – this is a familiar style for women, because it is just like a purse only it is large enough to hold all of baby’s things. Very easy to get in and out of, you can really stuff it to the max, which is perfect for the woman who needs to carry everything with her all the time. A diaper tote is the answer when you plan to spend time going to the pool or if you have more than one child to pack for. Women love the diaper tote because of its similarities to a purse, but it isn’t as enjoyable for dad to carry, so keep that in mind. JP Lizzy designs some really fantastic diaper totes that are classy and stylish. I personally like their Scarlett Poppies Diaper Tote which looks so fresh and fun, and has all the pockets to keep everything in its proper place.

Backpack – this style of diaper bag is very popular because it appeals to dads more than any other. Another great point is that it offers hands-free carrying, much like the messenger bag, but with more space. You will usually find more pockets, dividers, and sections in a backpack, allowing you to really keep everything organized and in its own compartment. Ju Ju Be creates every style of bag you can imagine, but I truly love their Be Right Back backpack diaper bag. Mommy compartments, magnetic outside pocket for wipes, and elastic bands to hold diapers flat are just a few of the things that make this every parents dream diaper bag. They offer basic colors if you want it to be subtle, but if you prefer to have a stand out type of bag, just look at their Sienna Swirl pattern below…too fun!

Now spend some time looking at all of your options, and be happy that you don’t have to choose from the ABC and teddy bear patterns of years gone by! Lastly, always make sure you look at the dimensions of the bag you are interested in – pictures don’t always give you the right indication of how big or small it is. Happy Shopping!

Adriana M Dehring

On August 17, 2009, ABC News released an insightful article which covers the topic of safe sleeping environments for babies.  Susie Fougerousse, President of Rosenberry Rooms, was interviewed for the article, which discussed a recently published study on the topic of infant sleep positions as portrayed in the media.

Our Urban Cool Diaper Bag in Hearts of Love by Skooch, winner of the iParenting Media Award, is the must-have bag featured in the New Mom’s Handbook magazine Summer 2009 issue. You’ll be the hippest mom in town when you carry this cool rocker diaper bag!

I have to say that when I enter a room and see at least one amazing, stand-out, unique piece of décor, it truly transforms the entire house into an exciting, think outside the box kind of place. When I talk about unique décor, there is one designer in particular that I think of, and absolutely adore. The vision behind Stray Dog Designs is so fantastic that if I could, I would claim it as my own! Their collection includes lighting, furniture, and accessories that are distinct and a little eccentric, but eccentric in a good way. You know, the way that makes you turn your head and take a second look, then walk up closer and look at it again; the way that makes you think, wow, wish I had thought of that; the way that necessitates owning a piece for your home. Okay, well I guess it is obvious that I am a huge fan, and now I will highlight some of their pieces so that you too will fall madly in love with their work. I have to tell you though, that for me to only highlight a few is not an easy task by any means, so once you get a little taste, you have to go to their complete collection…it is well worth the time!

White Bird Mirror -
Oh, where to begin with this?! Just look at the design! The elegant and ornate scrolling is contrasted with the large, simple silhouette of a bird that is perched proudly on top. The mix of ornate and simple, the hammered iron, the white color all make this mirror a piece of decor that will beautify the room in which it hangs.

Birdcage Chandelier -
As if the name itself wasn’t enough, I have actually seen this in person at the (soon to be open) Rosenberry Rooms’ Design Center and it is (for lack of better words) just so cool! The pink is just perfect…bright and cheery and not at all like the dreaded Pepto Bismol tone we all fear. Plus the concept of having a birdcage as a lighting fixture is just so fun and what a focal point for the room! Not only that, boy is it big. This is one chandelier that will not just blend into the background – it will up and smack you on the side of the head in a way that will make you giddy like a child.

Bright Color Box Set -
For those who love to organize, like myself, these are a treasure found. They are so bright and cheery, not to mention made of tin so they are nice and sturdy. Who wouldn’t want these in their home, even if you can’t think of anything to put in them?! I think for a playroom, these are a fantastic way to sort toys, all the while looking absolutely amazing! Perhaps in the nursery or bedroom…heck, they really can go anywhere you want to make a daring and bold statement.

Well, there are many other lighting fixtures and accessories by Stray Dog that I love, but you will just have to shop their line yourself! Have fun and bring something truly special and unique into your home with this incredible designer. Happy Decorating!

Adriana M Dehring