Trying to get my 9-year-old to keep her just-cleaned room is neat is nothing short of a miracle. She usually “picks up” her room over the weekend (and I use that term loosely, mind you) and we’re lucky if we make it to Tuesday before it looks like a mini storm has made landfall exclusive to her four corners of the world. While I know as a parent I’m supposed to pick my battles, but truthfully I don’t think I can handle this for the next 10 years or so. Because I’ve always been a huge fan of kids’ products that do double duty, much like a multitasking mom, I was over the moon when my eyes landed on Mimish Designs’ Storage Beanbag. This comfy [&hellip
The Furnished Walnut Archive
So, what do you do when a blizzard bares down over the weekend and you’re stuck indoors? Shop online, of course. But not just for any old thing; you’ve got to make that precious time on the Web count for something (especially if we lose power again–bite my tongue!) If you happen to be looking for that special gift , be it for Valentine’s Day, a friend’s new baby or maybe something that points to signs of spring (wishful thinking), we’ve stumbled upon the coolest site teeming with unique selections. Bespoke Custom Gifts is all about presents with personality. From monogrammed kids’ sneakers, to a storybook-inspired birdhouse, each item is as different as the person you’re sending it to. Not only is this site ideal [&hellip
Sometimes, when I can’t fall asleep, I stare at the ceiling and count sheep. And when I’m not busy composing lyrical poetry, I’m recalling silly moments that take me back to a time when life was a lot simpler and a lot less hectic. Like when my college roommate and I noticed that our dorm room’s ceiling had been decorated to look like the Milky Way. Upon turning out the lights during our first night at school, we realized that our previous tenants had left dozens upon dozens of glow-in-the dark stars and moons on the ceiling, turning our otherwise dull room into a heavenly spectacle. No wonder we slept like babies that night. As you create a dream space for your own child, do [&hellip
I’m not sure why I remember the odd things that I do from being a new mom, but one particular memory stands out: my daughter’s nursery being littered with formula-stained bottles that I had forgotten to put in the dishwasher. It didn’t happen every day, mind you, but every so often, I would finish an early morning feeding and return to my bedroom in a half-asleep stupor with the bottle left behind (it’s a wonder I remembered to turn out the light in the nursery!). Blame it on mommy brain, if you will, but seeing that used bottle really irked me. What time exactly had I been in her room, anyway? If you’re equally hard on yourself as a new mom who’s trying to keep [&hellip
If you haven’t figured it out already, The Talking Walnut is a big fan of Skip Hop, makers of durable kiddie products kid gear in eye-popping designs. So when we recently had a chance to see their new Alphabet Zoo Wall Decals in the flesh, we knew we wouldn’t be disappointed…and we were right. This adorable assortment of removable decals perks up any child’s room or nursery with a touch of whimsy. Whether you’re spelling out your little one’s name or introducing her to the ABCs, these stickers offer instant personality to even the closest of corners. If you’re working under tight conditions (city dwellers, you know who you are) or decorating on a shoestring (man, those cribs are costly!), this sweet set will work [&hellip
Earlier this week, The Talking Walnut reviewed the BabyZoo Sleep Trainer and knew we were on to something! Since our last post, another ingenious teaching device designed to keep kids in their beds past an ungodly hour has crossed our path…and this one offers a personal touch. The Zazoo Photo Clock features a variety of telltale images that you and your child can choose to distinguish daytime from nighttime. The choices range from basic sun and moon for preschoolers, to more entertaining options for older kids like robots and dinosaurs awake and asleep . Once you’ve selected your favorite day/night pairing and set your clock to the correct time, you’re good to go (to sleep, that is). At a simple glance, even the sleepiest of [&hellip
Getting both kids to sleep in on weekend mornings is nothing short of a miracle. If one decides to stay in bed, the other must naturally bound out of her room with a bundle of energy. And no matter how many times we tell them to stay put, arming them with plenty of books/games/bargaining deals (“if you stay in bed until 8, you can watch SpongeBob in the morning), like so many parenting moments, our words appear to fall on deaf ears. Just in time for the return of Daylight Savings comes an adorably clever time-telling tool that just may do the trick. The BabyZoo Sleep Trainer is a smart clock that, at a quick glance, lets kids know whether or not it’s time to [&hellip
If there’s one thing about I won’t miss about the baby years, it’s being rid of diapers/pull-ups, once and for all. The stink alone is enough to compete with my already stuffed nose; I can’t imagine what it will be like to be allergy and diaper-free someday! Because of my tenured experience with potty training, we’ve experimented with all types of diaper pails over the years: those of the simplistic step-on/drop-in variety that use specially designed bags, to the “green” models that work with biodegradable liners. While many pails have promised a style that resembles something other than a glorified garbage receptacle, we’ve yet to find one…until now. The sleek lined, wildly hued ubbi diaper pail cleverly conceals the ugly business that lurks inside its [&hellip
It’s a jungle out there, especially if you’ve got little ones running around at home. When I’m making dinner, I swear there’s a stampede of elephants overhead–and not just two little girls playing. If you’re in search of a way to keep your playroom accident-free and spare newly mobile toddlers from acquiring more bumps and bruises than necessary, consider the Skip Hop Zoo Playspot. A refreshing alternative from the ho-hum hopscotch patterns we’ve seen in one too many kiddie gyms, this fashionable print may just bring out the wild child in your little monkeys. The adorable faces of a dog, bee, owl and monkey are so cute, they may be entertaining enough to coax your constant crawler into actually sitting still for more than five [&hellip
Today, on our weekly supermarket jaunt, my 3-year-old and I were treated to a display of hearts-shaped place mats, cupid cookie cutters and all things red and pink. That can only mean that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. If you happen to be the proud parent of a new bundle of joy, or have a best bud who’s expecting, it’s time to introduce that little babe to the good life with an infant seat she’ll simply love. Bloom’s limited edition coco rosso rocker may be designed for a baby, but it definitely has grown-up appeal. We love that it looks as comfortable as it feels, thanks to a specially designed Plexistyle soft seat. The 5-point harness ensures that your little one stays put, [&hellip