Archive for October, 2009

If you ever wondered, as a working mom,  if it is possible to “do it all”, just take a look at Katy Mimari, the designer and owner of Caden Lane.   Katy is not only an incredible designer and business woman, but an amazing inspiration to all working moms.  Aside from being a ton of fun, super smart and talented, and always upbeat, she just exudes this creative energy that is infectious!  Always creating, always designing, always expanding her line and ALWAYS daring to reach in different directions with her style, refusing to be stagnant or safe, Katy is a breath of fresh air.  The risks that Katy takes with Caden Lane designs have proven to be very well received, as our customers are always anxiously waiting to see what is next.  Caden Lane is really a pioneer when it comes to baby and children’s bedding, in that there is NO other designer out there that offers anything similar in style or color, and the wide range of designs within the Caden Lane line is undoubtedly far reaching.  Although the various collections within the Caden Lane designer line represent varying moods, styles and tastes, they share a cohesive element that ties them together.

The first bedding line introduced by Caden Lane is appropriately called the Classic Collection, which is available in blue, pink and neutral colors.  This collection appeals to a more traditional audience with warm tones and classic colors, yet features contemporary elements in the fabric patters.  Next, Caden Lane introduced their Modern Vintage Collection,  which provides a modern feel with an ecclectic edge, and offers a variety of patterns in blue for boys and pink for girls.  The most recent collection introduced by Caden Lane is the Luxe Collection, which offers more vibrant and bold colors to the line, for the mom with a daring sense of style.  It is safe to say that the Caden Lane designer bedding line has “something for everyone”, but Katy didn’t stop there!  As Caden Lane grew as a company, so did their line offering, and shortly thereafter, Caden Lane gave birth to their “big kid” bedding collection.  The Caden Lane juvenile bedding line follows in the footsteps of the baby line, carrying through with similar fabrics and colors, perfectly styled and suited for your stylish child, from toddler to teen…so chic, so cool!

But wait, there’s more!   Caden Lane also offers a huge line of diaper bags, with styles ranging from backpacks, to hobos, bowlers, totes and messenger bags.   Let’s not forget the enormous line of accessories that are also part of the Caden Lane line.  These include, blankets, bibs, burp cloths, car seat and shopping cart covers, hooded towels and spillmats.  All of these fantastic and utterly essential baby items are available in all of the Caden Lane fabrics, so you can pick and choose, mix and match and have fun!

At this point you are probably wondering, as am I, if Katy ever sleeps!  It is no wonder that many celebrities have chosen Caden Lane for their designer nurseries, including Samantha Harris, Tori Spelling and Brooke Burke, to name a few.

Take a look at the Caden Lane Designer Collection on RosenberryRooms.com, to see the latest and greatest that Caden Lane has to offer….I promise, you won’t be disappointed.

Susie Fougerousse

How would you define the Caden Lane style philosophy?

We strive to create stylish & funky baby necessities, and redefine the norm for nursery décor. The baby’s room should be your FAVORITE room in the house (and it’s the only room you can get away with putting rhinestones on the wall)!

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

I was a children’s photographer before I started Caden Lane, and I was always amazed in the LACK of fashionable items for the modern moms. They used to carry around these tacky, quilted, diaper bags that were completely dysfunctional and even more unattractive! I knew there had to be better options out there!

Why did you choose to design baby & children’s products?

I couldn’t find any other profession that would let me work with tulle, rhinestones, textiles, and lace all together!

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

I love seeing the finished nursery! We have a collection of pictures that our customers have sent us to show off their nursery, and it’s always so amazing to see each individual’s personality come so alive in the baby’s room. You can see the love and dedication on every part of the room.

Do you have any advice for other working moms?

Drink a lot of wine and get a great nanny! Hahaha, just kidding (but not really).  You know, I think for any working mom, the biggest challenge is finding balance between your work and family life. This is what keeps us sane. The best part for me is that when I am with my children, I give them 110% percent, and when I’m at work – it’s about me. For me, that is balance.

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

Well, the Cade Bedding set was designed for my son when I couldn’t find any bedding out there that didn’t have a “theme” to it! Then… when I was pregnant with my daughter, I wanted a more “anthropologie” feel to the room. It was my favorite store at the time, and well… sometimes you find inspiration in the strangest places! So the Ava Bedding was created for her, and her room is still my favorite room in the house! Of course, now I love the Ashlyn Bedding from the Luxe Collection. Just can’t decided if it’s worth a whole new pregnancy! Hahaha….

What sets Caden Lane apart from other children’s bedding & accessories designers?

I think we are all unique in our own way. Even though each of our Caden Lane collections are so different, I still feel like the collection flows. It’s funny – some describe us as a modern children’s company, and others think we are simple and sweet. Honestly, I love being in the middle. You can take the most modern of our cribs (like Tori Spelling did) and put any of our bedding on it, or, you can take a sweet traditional sleigh crib (like Samantha Harris did) and compliment it with any of the collections. I think they call it “transitional”? I like to refer to it as “perfect”. 

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

Ummmm, yes!!! We only have a HUGE new accessory collection coming out this December! We’ve added new products to the line like tutu bow holders, hair accessories, paci-clips, closet dividers… and my favorite – Big and Little (brother/sister) shirts! It’s funky, eclectic, and totally Caden Lane! The new bedding will be out in 2010!

Now…Just for Fun

Favorite Food Queso (I’m from Texas)
Favorite TV Show at the moment, it’s Fast Forward. Everyone thinks the main character looks just like my husband! Ha!
Favorite Movie The Hangover or Ace Ventura Pet Detective.
Favorite Weekend Activity staying in my pajamas all day and hanging out with my wonderful hubbie and 2 kiddos!
Favorite Band Norah Jones

As I drive around these days, I can’t help but be in awe of the changes taking place all around me in Nature. The leaves are just beautiful: fiery reds, bright yellows, and bold oranges – they have turned the landscape into an amazing art show. And to think that we get to view this for free every fall! As I take all of this in, I being to think of how there is a nostalgia that comes with the cooler weather and changing leaves as the days grow shorter and the nights take the lead. We tend to draw inward, to focus more on ourselves and our families. This is the time of holidays and memories, of family and friends. With the fall comes our getting back to the basics…trying to keep warm… coming up with creative indoor family activities…balancing daily life with the upcoming holiday travels and visitors. Yes, there is a distinct dynamic in the fall, and though it is very different than the dynamic and emotion we feel in the Spring, it is just as powerful and wonderful.

What better way to ride out these amazing emotions than to focus on some beautiful fall-inspired art. Now I don’t know if these artists actually created these pieces after a long fall drive, but for me, they reflect the changes and emotion that come with this time of year. Much like nature, art has the ability to immediately inspire, change, and alter our moods in a matter of moments, and that is why art so often imitates and reflects nature. Here are a few pieces of kid’s art that are wonderful visual reminders of how cleansing and calming this time of year can be.

Forest Fun Canvas – The colors and overall feel of this canvas definitely remind me of Fall. The trees are almost completely bare and all the colors are reflective of the ones that we see around us during these next months.

October Memories Wall Mural – You may not be the “cabin type” but even so, you have to appreciate this amazing image. You can almost feel the crisp air and the sound of crunching leaves in the forest.

The Path Canvas – Many may see this canvas as more fitting for Spring, however for me, the cool colors and scarce leaves on the branches speak of Fall and the beginning of wintertime.

Fall Tree Canvas – This is the most obvious Fall canvas, as is obvious by its name. I especially love the overall simplicity that is blended with great detailing throughout the image.

Happy Decorating!

Adriana M Dehring

Create the perfect vintage-inspired nursery with products featured in the Pregnancy & Newborn magazine October 2009 issue. The Sock Monkey Crib Bedding – Three Piece Set by New Arrivals Inc and myHaven Built to Grow Crib by Young America by Stanley will create an old-time flare to your little one’s space.  For a more classic look, the magazine featured our Vine and Roses Toy Box by Three Little Ziglets, the perfect addition to your little girl’s sophisticated space.

With the holidays fast approaching, I have started to pay closer attention on a day to day basis for things that my girls could use to better keep their things easily accessible. Tonight, while we had reading time with them, I took a long, hard look at their books that were piled haphazardly and disorganized on an old bookshelf of mine with two or three falling onto the floor every time they would grab one for us to read. Yes, I started to obsess over the fact that the books never stay standing up nice and proper, from largest to smallest, grouped with like kinds…okay, I am probably the only one that notices, but still…I immediately started to think how our girls will soon have more books to add to their collection, and how I have to somehow resolve the issue of falling books. Then my mind quickly flashed to the fun options that there are out there that not only keep books better organized, but make it easier for kids to reach and put them away. It is not always easy to find the right combination of style and practicality, especially when it comes to children’s décor, but when you can find a place that offers you great options, then it becomes much less of a hassle and much more fun. Stores like Rosenberry Rooms carry such a wide range of designers that you will find things that you may not have otherwise known existed, such as some of the most amazing book holders. I am actually having a hard time narrowing it down! There are ones that would be just perfect for the playroom, and those that work if you have limited space, plus all the other styles in between.

Here are some of the amazing options you have to better organize and keep all the amazing books that your child has collected over the years. I am sure you will be just as impressed with these styles and creations…plus what a great holiday gift these would make for the child that loves to read and has an ever-growing collection of books!

Wall Bookholder – A wonderful alternative for those who don’t have the floor space, this vintage styled bookholder allows you to clearly see the books while keeping them safe. There are three different sized rows that allow you to properly house the many stories and books your child has.

Book Trolley – This is sectioned much like the towers you find at the library, so that you can keep big and little books organized, plus the wheels make it easy to relocate it from one side of the room to the other and the built in easel creates the perfect book prop for easy reading.

Book Bound – Modern through and through, these are perfect for those who want to add something different to their child’s decor. They will add color and a lot of interest to your child’s room in a fun and artistic way, as your little one’s books actually become a part of the room decor!

Bonsai Book Caddy – This incredibly fun and unique book caddy allows children to easily slide books right into place, with the spine facing outward, so there is never a doubt as to which book they are grabbing for mom and dad to read. Added bonus – it is an eco-friendly product!

Blue Stripe Wooden Bookholder – A little bit more traditional in style, this wooden bookholder has a wonderful vintage feel. It is divided in the middle, and can sit on the floor right next to the bed, making it easy for little hands to store and grab books.

Be sure to check out other book holders and bookcases on Rosenberry Rooms that may suit your needs, and remember that the sooner you start your holiday shopping, the less stressful they will be! Happy Shopping!

Adriana M Dehring

I consider myself to be a very lucky girl, in that I am blessed to work with amazing designers and beautiful products every day.  I adore all of the talented artists and designers who are featured on Rosenberry Rooms, and am in awe of their amazing creations.  Every once in a while, though, a designer comes along who really knocks my socks off.  The kind of designer whose products I can’t stop staring at and thinking about, who inspires awe and renders me somewhat speechless.  A  designer such as this not only warrants tremendous respect, but sparks my own creativity, and leaves me almost short of descriptive words to express their infinite style and class…this designer is Amy Blanchard of AB Designs.

I know I’m in love when i want to use words like droolicious to describe a product line (this is a first, I promise)!   You might think a picture frame is a picture frame, but you ain’t seen nothin’ until you’ve seen an AB Designs picture frame!  Amy Blanchard, the creative designer and owner of AB Designs has redefined the picture frame and transformed an ordinary, every day object into a true piece of art.   What is it that makes AB Designs so phenomenal?  Well, let’s start with the thick, hand painted, lightly rubbed wooden frames which are available in a fantastic palette of irresistible colors.  Add to that, the most gorgeous dupioni silk ribbons available in a myriad of colors, which you can layer for a diverse look.  Last but most certainly not least, each AB Designs picture frame can be adorned with a sparkling brooch in any style or shape to suit your taste, from simple to elegant or whimsical.  For a personal touch you can even choose a covered button in place of a brooch, and have it monogrammed.  The great thing about AB Designs is that it isn’t any one of these components or even the sum of the parts that make these picture frames so special, but the secret ingredient that Amy Blanchard brings to each and every custom and exquisitely made frame.   The quality, workmanship and passion that Amy brings to her designs really transcend each piece.  When you see an AB Designs frame you know it is something special, something extraordinary.

If you are looking for a place worthy of your most precious baby photo, your wedding or anniversary picture, a snap shot of your loved one’s birthday, or even of your favorite pet, there is no place more appropriate than an AB Designs picture frame.  AB Designs encompasses not only a sweet baby and children’s line, but a stylish home line, a classic bridal line and, yes, even an adorable pet line.

Shop the incredible assortment of AB Designs frames on RosenberryRooms.com, or come on by for a visit to see Amy Blanchard’s picture frames in person at our store in Raleigh, NC.  If you don’t see the perfect frame to suit your needs, we can custom design one in any size or color, just for you!

Please read Amy Blanchard’s personal interview below to learn more about this incredibly talented artisan.

Susie Fougerousse

How would you define the AB Designs style philosophy?
-The AB design philosophy is simple – undeniable high quality using only the best materials available, beautiful color and brooch choices and great customer service!

What inspired you to become a designer and start a business?
-I never set our to be a designer or business owner.  God had other plans!  My love and passion for photography lead to me doing photography on a professional level, which lead to offering frames for my clients.  I have always loved playing around with beautiful colors and design.  So for fun I started embellishing the frames I bought at market with beautiful ribbon and jewelry pieces.  Word of mouth of what I was doing was instant!  Fast forward 4 years and we are working hard to make AB designs a recognized brand around the world

Why did you choose to design for children’s rooms?
-Children’s rooms are so much fun because it is such a happy time!   A child’s room can be very elegant to fun and whimsical.  The design possibilities are limitless!

What is your favorite part of your daily work … when you reflect on the day, what is most rewarding?
-I am big on lists!!!  So at the end of the day if I have scratched off every item on my list then I am a happy girl!!  We also hear great stories from our customers on how our frames have made someone happy – that is very rewarding!   It is not just about a frame – it is about a moment!

Do you have any advice for other working moms?
-It is the old cliché – you must love what you do and completely believe in your dream!  Have a support group who loves, understands and believes in you and what you are doing.  Include your children in your business as much as you can.  Our children feel like they are very much a part of what we are doing and get very excited about our growth.

If you had to pick a favorite piece from your collection, what would it be?
-I am in love with our Cheetah and new Zebra ribbon!  Both pieces make such a statement and can be either elegant or whimsical!  We have also been getting in some amazing brooches that are so beautiful and fun to work with.

What sets AB Designs apart from other designers?
-I think our customer service, quality and attention to detail sets us apart.  Also, we allow customers to customize their pieces to fit their personal needs.  By offering as many choices as we do make the design possibilities endless!

Do you have any news that you would like to share, perhaps about upcoming designs or introductions to your line?
-We have slowly been introducing our new lamps.  Customers will be able to choose ribbon and brooches to embellish lampshades.  We are very excited about our Lamps and have already been getting orders for them.  Response has been great!  As far as frames, we will continue to add ribbon selections that follow the trends in home décor and brooches that are unmatched.  We are also adding more frames with smaller brooches on the corners and larger portrait frames.  I offered the larger portrait frames to my photography clients but we have just started to include them in the AB designs’ line.

Now…Just for Fun

Favorite Food -Mexican

Favorite TV Show – Sex & The City

Favorite Movie – Steel Magnolias, Remember the Titans

Favorite Weekend Activity – Spending as much time as I can with my children – Zachary & Georgia!

Something that I have always wanted since I was little was a really large, really cool, very real tree house. Not the makeshift tree house that I built myself with my cousin which consisted of a few wooden planks for seating, some random fabrics for the roof and a rope swing (not all that bad for a 10 year old!) The type of tree house I envisioned was much more Swiss Family Robinson…hmmm, come to think of it, I believe that movie started my tree house obsession. Now that I am all grown up (so to speak) I still do not live in my amazing tree house, and probably never will. Thankfully, I have come to terms with that but only because it would be too impractical with small children. All of this brings me to another type of house that truly captures my attention – children’s playhouses – in a similar way to my beloved tree house dream.

Now, kid’s playhouses today are definitely a little more intricate that what we had when I was a kid. Today, they are custom made, built, painted, and furnished much like a typical house would be. When I see some of these outdoor playhouses, I really do wish for just a short while that I could go back to being little again…to enjoy climbing the indoor staircase into the loft and walk outside onto the balcony. Sounds fabulous, doesn’t it? The best part is that they are scaled-down to be just the right size for girls and boys. The children’s luxury playhouses are the ones that really get me. The details in these villas, cottages, and castles are nothing short of amazing. Yes, you may be thinking that this is all such a waste of money, how can I be going on and on about this. Take a step back for just a moment, and think of how cool it would be to give your child an amazing playhouse completely furnished and designed down to the last detail. Imagine the look on their faces as they wander through the different rooms and flop down on the couch in the sitting room. For most of us a 10 or 20 thousand dollar playhouse is laughable because it is so out of reach and so eccentric – which is okay. But for those of you who can afford an indoor or outdoor custom playhouse, I say go all out and make it a good one! Any child would have the most amazing time as they create so many wonderful memories with their siblings and friends. Just to show you how very far playhouses have come, here are a few of the ones that Rosenberry Rooms carries…I don’t care who you are, when you see these you will be truly amazed!

La Petite Maison Chez Moi – This really is the supreme kids playhouse with the 8 ft ceilings, running water, lighting…they can even install wireless communication within the house. Wait a minute, what? Oh, yes, this is the ultimate childhood experience, and it, of course, comes at a price!

Double Deluxe Playhouse – There is something about the style of this particular house that just makes it so much more fun and exciting. Its like walking into a storybook or joining Alice on her adventures in Wonderland where everything is a little strange and different.

La Petite Maison Garden – This is slightly less decked out than its relative up top, however the details are not lacking by any means. There may not be a foyer or loft area, but you will still find crown molding, a white picket fenced backyard area, custom window boxes…nothing short of amazing!

Now for fun, check out all of the custom playhouses that Rosenberry Rooms carries right here and let yourself imagine life as a kid once again, just with one of these play structures to call your own. Both of these companies will do custom playhouse to your specifications – another way you can keep things fitted to you and your child’s needs! Happy Shopping!

Adriana M Dehring

In the world of quick and easy which we live in, many of us can get discouraged and disheartened with the overall lack of quality we find in the things we buy. I think this is true especially of large purchases like furniture. Let’s be honest, furniture is not cheap, even if you get a lower end brand, you are still going to be dropping a significant amount of money. The sad part is that it will probably fall apart in a couple of years (if you are lucky). So, we continue to take our money and metaphorically burn it left and right, but we have no other choice, right? I mean, our kids need a bed to sleep in, desk to study at, night stand to keep their things on. Don’t they? Of course they do, but that doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice quality or break our bank accounts, either. We just need to know what to look for and where to find it. First of all, know that mass-manufactured furniture is the most common. Chances are, almost every piece of furniture you own or have looked at would fall into this category. Now, there is nothing wrong with buying this type of furniture, however you must realize this will not hold up like the furniture of old…the kind that is probably in your parents or grandparents home…the type of furniture that was made piece by piece and put together one at a time with custom fabrics, at the corner furniture shop that everyone in your neighborhood knew and trusted. Those pieces were made with pride and passion, and there was a certain level of quality that was unspoken but understood. Then we turned into a fast and cheap kind of people. What can we get tomorrow, or better yet, today? It is not common for our generation to be willing to wait a few weeks, let alone months for a piece of furniture. That is ridiculous at best. But the truth is, that these fast and cheap furniture pieces are often made and shipped from another country, where it is just one of thousands, with no personal attention or care given to any part of the building process.

Because of this, I have a special love for a great custom wood furniture company named Relics. Each piece of their furniture is bench made, meaning very simply, that it goes back to how quality furniture was made many years ago. Think of a wood pile slowly being carved, finished, painted and fitted together to create a bed, bookshelf or night stand. That is Relics. They can customize the size of any of their pieces, because they are making them literally from scratch. They have plenty of colors for you to choose from, and will even do any Benjamin Moore paint color for a small price. Talk about custom made furniture, I don’t think it gets any better than that. I think that Relics truly is a company dedicated to creating quality furniture that you love. The owner is involved in the entire process and oversees everything first-hand to be sure that it meets his own personal standards. Each piece of furniture goes through a multiple point check process to make sure nothing has been overlooked. Quality with great style is something worth spending your money on, especially with children’s furniture. You know a solid wood piece of furniture will last the wear and tear you and your kids will put it through. Now, let’s look at a few of their furniture pieces (my favorites, of course!) so that you can decide for yourself how great each piece is!

Lily Rae Bed – The appeal fo this bed for me is that it is simple but feminine, giving parents incredible versatility. If you have a girl who loves frills and ornate things, or one that likes modern, sleek lines – this bed (and bedroom set) will work for every design style.

Beadboard Bookcase – This is one of their most common pieces because it has a universal appeal and fits in with other styles of furniture. Beadboard is classic and looks great especially in a little boy’s room.

Spindle Armoire – Just look at the detailing in this piece…fantastic! I love how they have taken a basic piece of furniture and added so much visual appeal with the spindle detailing and the cut out door.

Wonderland Bed – Every time I see this bed, I feel like I have just jumped into a storybook, which is what makes this such a fun piece for a little girl or boys room. This bed has amazing charm and appeal…cant you just imagine how fun this piece would be for your child?

Be sure to check out the entire Relics line here, and remember, each of these pieces is completely customizable making them the perfect fit for your home! Happy Shopping!

Adriana M Dehring

Rosenberry Rooms just started carrying a line of picture frames that is so adorable, I just had to write about them. Now, I typically have a love-hate relationship with frames. I love different types of frames – wood, metal, vintage, modern…but I hate that I am not usually impressed with most of the ones I come across. AB Designs is different. Their frames are just gorgeous. Each of their kid’s frames is simple, elegant, and made well down to the last detail, which is a winning combination in my opinion. I love the palate they use for both boys and girls – soft mint greens, lavender, pale pink and blue, chocolate brown, and white will match any decor and fit right into the nursery or bedroom. These frames are made with solid wood which is hand finished, either 2” or 3” thick. The finishing touches include dupioni silk ribbon and rhinestone detailing which makes these frames one of a kind. AB Designs put plenty of time and thought into creating frames that are truly amazing, and it is obvious once you see them.
You may not think of a picture frame as anything that special, but they are actually the perfect gift for almost any occasion. Baby showers, birthdays and holidays…what parent wouldn’t love a beautiful frame where they can proudly display their precious little one? Chances are, when gift-shopping time comes along, picture frames are the last thing on our minds. Try to think of it this way – frames last a lifetime. The picture can always be updated and changed as a child grows, or perhaps it can house a sentimental photo that is never touched and gets passed down from one generation to the next. AB Designs creates the frames that you will want your great, great grandchild to have someday. Let’s look a couple of these a little bit closer, so that you can see just how wonderful they are!

Blue Covered Button Frame – This frame is so elegant and simple. I love the covered button, and the combination of blue and ivory is soothing – just perfect for a little boy’s nursery.

Pink Chloe Frame – The turquoise ribbon adds just the right pop of color, making this frame stand out. Paired with the elegant rhinestone broach, this frame has a timeless style.

Brown Luna Frame -The classic combination of brown and blue really stand out on this frame. The sparkle of the accent broach keep this from being anything but mundane.

Be sure to check out the entire line of AB Designs baby and kid frames here. Happy Shopping!

Adriana M. Dehring

It’s not very often that I am completely amazed by a specific designer or product, but when it does happen it usually borders on obsession. Cue Petunia Pickle Bottom. Oh, I am in love. Where to begin, tho? Should I begin with their amazing designs? How about the unique and absolutely fantastic fabrics? Perhaps I should focus on their ability to create diaper bags that actually look like a piece of art instead of a necessary evil? And let’s not ignore the baby bag names…unique and intriguing. Truthfully, what makes Petunia Pickle Bottom stand out so much is a combination of all of these things…and that is why I am hooked.

Petunia Pickle Bottom (can we just take a moment to applaud the name?) is in my opinion the epitome of a chic, stylish bag that is not trendy in a way that will go away with the next fad or season. Instead, I look at this line of diaper bags as classic trendy, timeless, Breakfast at Tiffany’s cool, stand out amongst the crowd with your fabulous bag amazing. I think the reason should be attributed to the owners themselves having an amazing eye for fashion and style as well as the ability to take that idea and transform it into their products.

Let’s take their Original Collection which includes a Boxy Backpack, Shoulder Bag, Touring Totes, and Cross Town Clutch – a bag for every need and in every size. There is no need to go into the practical details of these bags because they have plenty of pockets, bottle holders and clips for all of parent and baby’s essentials. However, some interesting details for me begin with the amazing glazed fabrics – every mom needs a little glamor in her life, but this makes it practical and “wipe-able”, too. They have water-resistant liners – another way to make life with baby a little bit easier. And, one of my favorite features, the built in changing pad – use it, then fold it up and zip it closed…now moms (and dads) will actually use the changing pad since it doesn’t have to go floating back into the bag with the toys and change of clothing! The Touring Tote has a zippered pocket for the changing pad and the Cross Town Clutch has a nifty round changing pad that snaps closed and also has its own pocket as well. Talk about practical and organized!

As if that wasn’t enough, we move on to Cake by Petunia…I could literally go on and on because I am absolutely enthralled by these designs and fabrics! They offer three styles which include the Carryall, Satchel, and Clutch. They boast the same fantastic details as the bags in their Original Collection, however the Italian Cut Velvet and wool tweed detailing are nothing less than scrumptious. I think I stared at the Cake bags for hours when I first came across them, almost hoping that one would jump off the screen and land in my arms! They have this amazing balance of simple and sassy, feminine and edgy, trendy and unique. Totally vintage, totally amazing and totally a must have for any woman who wants to make a statement of style with their diaper bag.

Petunia Pickle Bottom has been careful not to isolate the dads out there, and so they also have their Scout by PPB collection. Rustic and sexy, these messenger bags are created with leather or felt, making them tough and sturdy for dad to carry with masculine pride. These messenger bags still have amazing details that dad will love, like the ridiculous compartments and pockets to keep all his and baby’s things organized and easy to reach. There is truly no detail left out from this bag.

Well, on top of all of these amazing diaper bag designs, Petunia Pickle Bottom also let their amazing ideas create an array of layette sets, baby blankets, and baby slings. I can’t wait to see what new product or design they come up with next – I am sure it will be fabulous and unique and, well, obsession-worthy! Happy Shopping!

Adriana M Dehring

It may only be October, but at the same time it is already October, and many people have begun putting their gift lists together for the holidays. I am not one of those people. I am the person who is scrambling the week before, mailing things out late with a note apologizing again for the delay. Every year I plan on doing things different – taking advantage of sales and Black Friday, but first I would have to have my list done, which is the problem. I thought I would highlight some toys and games for toddlers and kids that stand out among the rest because they are unique, educational, incredibly stylish, or a combination of all these things. All of these products are just wonderful in my opinion and any little girl or boy would be happy to own them.

Big Rigs Semi Truck – This all wood toy is classic is style and structure. What a great toy that any boy will love, plus the added bonus is there are 4 different trucks in this collection, so you can give him a whole crew to play with!

Animal Parade Alphabet Cards – These alphabet cards by eeBoo are wonderful because they bring back the old schoolhouse tradition in a modern way. These 8×10 cards are perfect for teaching your little one the alphabet and the animals that they can associate with each letter. Keep them as they are, or frame them in simple wooden frames to border your child’s bedroom or playroom.

Play Coffee Maker – Every child loves to play pretend and most kids have a kitchen as well. This is the perfect companion for that imaginative space. This is just one of the many wooden toys by KidKraft that are sturdy and fun for kids of all ages.

Children’s Apron – I think this is a unique gift idea for a little girl who loves to play dress up. She can use it to back cookies and cakes in her kitchen, or perhaps while she cleans up the dishes. These are custom made by Pixie Dust Décor and come in their specialty fabrics, custom made for you – just another way they would make a special gift.

Sparrow Lilac Scribble Kit – What a great way to entertain kids at the restaurant, or when waiting in the doctor’s office or for the oil to get changed. This is every parent’s dream – a compact, easy to carry kit with paper and crayons to give them something to focus on when you need them to sit still for a few minutes. Plus, they are by Dwell so you get the fun and hip fabrics from their collection.

URoll Racer – The perfect gift for the child who likes things that go…fast! This will corner like no other and is ideal for tight or limited spaces…so consider this the urban answer for your active little one!

Kids Playing Cards – A great stocking stuffer, this group of playing cards will bring hours of fun for the whole family. Teach your child classic card games with these mini cards, and bring them along to grandma’s house, too!

Natural Wishbone Bike – This is a running bike with a twist…and a very practical one at that. To begin, you can start of in tricycle mode for your one year old, then it will go to a two wheeler, but the best part is the body of the bike then flips over to accommodate for a 4 or 5 year old. Take about a gift that will get it use! A great pre-bike, this will help your child with balance, coordination and overall confidence. A must have in every household.

I hope these toys and games have inspired you to begin or complete your holiday gift list…be sure to check out all of the toys and gifts on Rosenberry Rooms right here. Happy Shopping!

Adriana M Dehring