CohabiTOT – living stylishly with children

Forgive me, I said I would be back to add a touch of spring to your boy’s room!  Sorry for the delay, but a project got the better me.  It was a rush to find  a new material when the loved when suddenly became out of stock. (and when quarries run out of stone that’s  just one of life’s natural occurrences!)  Now that is behind me and this great weather is ahead of me!  Actually you can step right outside for a touch of spring; but if you need some to last all year round check out these lovely wall decals. These birds have a great spirit, I could see them nesting right above your son’s headboard. Check it out they come in custom colors!

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Spring is just 22 days away! Looking outside my window in New Jersey, I fear that spring may never arrive.  Of course it will, but until I see those first daffodils I am wary.  With no control over mother nature;  I an  taking  control on bringing on spring!  These wall decals touch my soul are super stylish and a great  addition to a girl’s room. I’ll be back tomorrow with something to add a touch of spring to your boy’s room.

In my last entry, I talked about Alexander Girard. I dubbed his designs as instant happiness. Here’s another picture to inspire happiness on this dreary rainy February day! Spring’s almost here, right?

I love these paper poms;hinking they would be great dangling from a ceiling in a girl’s room. Hope I  made you smile!:-)

I love this wallpaper from Maharam. It’s designed by Alexander Girard–whose designs create instant happiness! (as well said by this blog: Alexander Girard Love) And it’s perfect for the two obsessions in our house write now—practicing letters, and keeping the walls clean!

My four old has suddenly become obsessed with practicing his letters. He brings his notebook to pre-school every day. According to his teacher yesterday he choose to practice his writing yesterday rather than  play.

My 16 month old  girls have become extremely skilled at throwing food!  Think cheerios  and noodles everywhere!  I must  clean the floors and occasionally the walls at least 3 times a day.

I never would of thought to put up wallpaper in their playspace. It just didn’t seem practical with all these sticky hands. Of course I wash them, but some how don’t they always seem to get into trouble! But along came my favorite find of the week; and there is no holding me back now.

With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, I am smitten for anything with hearts! Decorating with hearts is sweet and doesn’t need to be reserved for Valentine’s Day. And  I love decorating with artisan prints. Here’s some unique prints (all from Etsy) that will inspire hugs all year long.

A  client described a room she envisioned for her seven year old daughter.  She said -”I want  a  beautiful space for my 6 year old that she will not out grow. ” She continued on to tell me her daughter is the girliest of girls, loves  dolls,  dress-up and everything pink and purple. The mother said she loves sophisticated, modern combinations.  So together we came  up with  a lavendar and chartreuse combination that both a mother and daughter would love.

The new fabrics from Thomas Paul were my launching point.  We chose a modern floral with lavender and plum for the drapes.  A  chartreuse ” lizard ” skin rug grounds the room. Together with very pale lilac walls and modern furnishings we  are sure to create a striking room.

We all make new year’s resolutions…to lose weight, get in shape, etc.  For me it always puts me into hyper-organization mode.  I have been tackling closets, donating old clothes, passing along outgrown children’s clothes,etc.  I live in an old house….aka bad closet space. This means I have to be diligent or things get out of control quickly!

Here are some additional  things I did:

1. I donated stuffed animals to Memorial Sloan Kettering Children’s Center

2. I sold one of my FOUR toy chests on a local blog. (Montclair Parents of Multiples)

3.  I continue to scan Alan’s artwork into his blurb book.

4.  I donate some books to used book store.

The feeling is awesome! I can find things again and my whole attitude is calmer during the morning rush!

The best thing I did  was I have a dedicated bag for each child by the back door for their hats, gloves, etc.  I  do not   have room for shelves, cubes etc. So this was a great solution.  The bags hang on a peg rail and now I have a place for their items! (and my son’s back pack is reserved for his homework)

I would love to hear your tricks to staying on top of the clutter!

A reader writes in:

Dear Reader –Yes I do have an idea! Have you thought of an oilcloth tablecloth. With all the vintage/retro patterns they are back in vogue! I love the apples –feels a little Orla Kiely – right?! These tablecloths  are wipeable and nothing penetrates. It should last through many finger painting, glitter glue and paper maiche projects.

To see more patterns: www.oilcloth.com The range is wide from polka dots to florals and beyond.

I just learned over at Barista Kids that it’s Penguin Awareness Day. Penguins are so damn cute; one of my twin girls absolutely loves her stuffed penguin. It’s taller than her so it’s so cute to see her try to walk around with it.

Are you or your child  a penquin lover? If so; I think you would love the above collage from Maple Shade. Made with eco-friendly materials and ready to hang in your child’s room. Check out her Etsy shop; any nature lover will adore her work.

Alphabet posters seem to be the quintessential decorating choice for nursery/toddler bedrooms.  And why not – with so many choices  in typography and  style there’s a choice for everyone. Plus the ABC’s make a great lullaby; we sing it almost every night. We got lucky and moved into a house with the ABC’s painted as spots on a giraffe. (affectionately called Noelle– can you guess why?)  If we didn’t have Noelle I probably would select one of the choices from above.