A Nursery Tour with All Kinds of Things (Caleb)

When it comes to nursery decor, sweet and simple is always my goal. 

Enjoy a peek inside Caleb's nursery~

As mentioned in a previous post, I am not into "themed rooms". Therefore, Caleb's nursery does not necessarily have a theme. Throughout my pregnancy, I had planned to do a dark brown/soft baby green color scheme. Unfortunuately, however, I just never could find the kind of things I had in mind. Everything out there seemed to be brown and blue. To make a long story short, around week 34 of my pregnancy, I went in a completely different direction. (No surprise there!) =) I started finding things that had kind of an "industrial" look, and I loved it. In my family, when something appears to be just what you are looking for, we say "It has the glow!" So, needless to say, the industrial look "had the glow". Since we knew we would not be in our current residence permanently, there were some things we did not do to Caleb's room that we will do when we move - as in painting and installing a floor-to-ceiling shelving system for the 100,000 children's books that had Caleb's name on them before he was even born. (Don't forget I was a third-grade teacher! Note to self: This child will love to read if it kills me!) ;-) Anyway, when we move into the house, I will post updated photos for sure!

**Most of these photos were taken before I was the proud owner of my Nikon. I will apologize now for the poor image quality.**

I Samuel 1:27 

David's Sand Creation

I created this shadow box using scrapbook paper/letters, plastic Scrabble letter tiles, and one of our first ultrasound photos of Caleb. (from 2/14/11) Caleb's name means "faithful".

(Shadow Box - TJ Maxx/Home Goods)

I found this Hallmark picture frame at Ollie's Outlet. It was actually a "Celebrate Retirement" frame that included some silly quote about golf and a photo of gray-haired men "living it up". I removed all of that, added the antique keys, and inserted a picture of my sweetie.

I found this ABC paper print at Bebe Gallini's. I believe it's actually a piece of wrapping paper. I framed it & plan to pick up a few of their other sheets of paper for future projects ($3.95 each).

They have a great selection!

If you're looking for a nursery glider, you MUST get the one pictured below - It includes a matching ottoman, but for some reason, it didn't make it into this snapshot. The set is by Best Chairs, and it's part of their Storytime Series. It glides & swivels, and the ottoman glides, too. It is such a comfortable set and can be used in other rooms once it is no longer needed in the nursery - not true of so many gliders out there.

I found these letters at Hobby Lobby! Love them!!

If you enjoyed this post, you may also enjoy

A Nursery Tour with All Kinds of Things (Isaac):

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Questions & Answers

Below are a few questions - that as a new mom - I get often & attached are my answers:

Question #1 - So far, what advice do you have for me?

{We have LOTS of friends expecting babies right behind us,
and this is a question many of them have asked.}

My Answer: Do not compare yourselves to other moms and do not compare your baby to other babies. This is one I still struggle with at times. I have found myself in a number of situations (before and after having Caleb) where other moms have wanted to tell me exactly how to do things. While what they are saying may have worked for them, it does not necessarily mean it's going to work for someone else. Only you know your baby [and your situation] best - Trust your instincts, and do what you feel is best. This does not mean you shouldn't read-up, research, and ask questions to professionals and friends you trust, but avoid those who constantly offer their opinion without your asking - and if you find yourself in a situation where you can not avoid them, be ready to let their words roll like water off a duck's back. I'm still learning how to do this and am currently being coached by my mother and a few close friends.

I love the following article related to this topic {from What to Expect}:

Sometimes it seems as if everyone thinks they know what's best for your baby — and they're willing to share their nuggets of knowledge, whether you ask them or not. Then there are those delightful people who feel compelled to point out what you're doing wrong as a mother, as if their child-rearing experiences automatically make them an expert.
Unwanted advice and comments can definitely drive a mom crazy — but only if you let them. Next time you're faced with a judgmental know-it-all (and she may even be your sister or best friend) remind yourself that no one knows your baby better than you do — and that, yes, she really does like to play with her earlobes or that no, she wouldn't really prefer to nap three hours in the afternoon instead of two.
Try to keep your cool no matter how tempting it may be to snidely dismiss the advice or overwhelm the person with a host of facts that prove how right you are. While either tactic may be effective in shushing the offender, neither will foster friendly relations, and you may end up stewing over the encounter for the rest of the day (or longer!).
Your best bet? Let them say their piece (and listen with an open mind, because occasionally you will get useful advice), smile graciously (if through gritted teeth), then thank the person for their input, and move on. If the advice is coming from a friend or relative whom you know you'll encounter again, you might also offer a simple explanation of your choices. For example, if your mother-in-law wonders aloud why you're still nursing your ten-month-old, describe the benefits of continued breastfeeding and the recommendation that it continue through at least the first year of a baby's life. Then, once you've had your say, change the subject to cue the other person that the topic, as far as you're concerned, is not open for debate.

Question #2 - Are you breastfeeding?

My Answer: Yes! Has it been easy? No! While Caleb "latched on" perfectly and started feeding right away, this was a very hard thing to tackle while recovering from such a difficult delivery. There were days when I didn't know if I could continue, but I pressed on and I can honestly say that we are now at a point where I am able to enjoy giving Caleb this gift. I never thought I'd get past the pain and exhaustion, but it got easier and for that I am very thankful.

Question #3 - Is your baby sleeping through the night?

My Answer: Since "sleeping through the night" is technically 5-6 hours (for a four month old), then yes - He is sleeping through the night. However, I am still awake during much of that time - completing my "After Caleb Goes to Bed To-Do List"; so I miss out on the benefits of his current version of "sleeping through the night".

Question #4 (This is probably the one I get the most.) - Do you miss teaching?

My Answer: I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE teaching! I miss the kiddos that had - over the years in some way - started to feel like mine, and I miss working alongside so many great people, but I do not miss these things enough to leave my sweet boy in the care of someone else in order to go back. I am enjoying my moments with him; and trust me, the moments are flying by far too quickly for my liking. Sometimes, I wish I could stop the clock...While teaching has always been toward the top of the list of things I'm passionate about, being "mommy" is number one!

My Collection of Money-Saving Tips

My Collection of Money-Saving Tips

Couponing:

Purchase more than one Sunday paper! Date your coupon inserts, and then - in the coming weeks - follow the blogs below! They will guide you!
www.southernsavers.com
www.crazycouponlady.com

*On the websites, search the weekly savings for the grocery stores/drug stores where you shop.
On the blogs, your Sunday paper coupon inserts will be referred to as follows:
SS = Smart Source Coupon Insert
RP = Red Plum Coupon Insert
P&G - Proctor & Gamble

For legitimate freebies, on-line savings, etc. follow www.hip2save.com. You can "favorite" her website or "friend her" on Facebook.

Stockpile your household products! The cheapest place to buy kitchen products, cleaning supplies, paper goods, etc. is not Wal-mart, it's CVS! Take advantage of their weekly specials, bucks back, etc. Sign up for their e-mails - Use their coupon kiosk - Purchase a "Green Tag" - All of this will lead to saving a ton of money!

Stockpile your non-perishable groceries! This will make meal preparation easier, and your weekly grocery trip will start to only be for perishable goods. (Buy milk at the drugstore! Buy bread at the thrift store [freezing several loaves]!)

*Stockpiling will also provide you with items on hand - in case you have weeks where you are unable/too busy/etc. to coupon!

If you shop at Harris Teeter, sign up for eVIc, download their on-line coupons to your Vic card, and watch your e-mail box for their weekly specials! Without coupons, Harris Teeter is one of the most expensive places to shop; With coupons, it can be the cheapest!
*They will oftentimes put diapers (Pampers, Huggies, Luvs) on eVic special for $5.99 - Couple that with a coupon (especially during super-double week), and you can get diapers for as low as $2.49 a package. (Stockpile diapers/wipes and never pay full price!)

In-store coupons and manufacture's coupons can be stacked together for additional savings. Two coupons on one item? Yes, it's allowed!

When you shop in-store:

Do not pay full price for anything - especially clothing!** & If - after purchasing an item - you see it go on sale, ask the store for a price adjustment. Rarely, will they deny you money back.

Before heading out, "google" coupons, additional promotions, etc.

If you're willing/able to pay cash, stores will oftentimes negotiate prices with you! Your paying cash keeps them from having to pay card fees, etc. and they are usually willing to reward customers for doing so!

**Have you checked out thrift stores/consignment shops/yard sales lately? If you "just never find anything", you're either not going often enough or you're not looking hard enough!

When you shop on-line:

"Google" coupon codes for additional discounts, free shipping, etc.

Always check Amazon for a cheaper price! If you think Amazon doesn't carry it, they probably do!

Buy books on-line! (Barnes & Noble Bookstore is not for a money-saver - unless you have a coupon, of course!) =)

When you go out to eat:

Before you head out, "google" coupons for the restaurant or check your Entertainment Book. (Using an Entertainment Book/Attractions Book can lead to lots of savings!) www.entertainment.com

Do not order beverages, appetizers, or desserts - except for special occasions, of course. =)

Split meals with your spouse/friend - Healthier portion sizes and more savings!

If a restaurant offers carryout, do it! You'll save on the tip!
Use www.restaurant.com, www.groupon.com, or www.livingsocial.com for gift cards to great restaurants - at a discounted price!

When traveling:

Negotiate prices! Don't be afraid to ask for a deal! Example: When using www.vrbo.com to book vacation condos, etc. you will rarely have to pay the asking price.

For car trips, pack snacks, drinks,etc. to save from overspending at quick-stops.
Plan ahead! (Meals, attractions, etc.)

You may want to check out Packing Food for a Family Vacation:

When you purchase gas:

Pump on Wednesdays for lower prices.
If you shop at BiLo, you can earn gas rewards on the purchases you make. Make your gift card purchases at BiLo - It will count toward your Fuel Perks!

Around the house:

Wash laundry in cold water.

Adjust your thermostat when leaving for the day, out of town trips, etc.

Unplug appliances when they are not in use.

When reheating small portions, use the toaster oven or microwave instead of the oven.

Open the windows for light during the day, & turn off lights when they are not in use.

Don't be afraid to return new items that you do not want/have not used (clothing, unwanted gifts, household supplies, etc.) Most stores will take anything back - even without a receipt. You may not get cash back, but you will more than likely get store credit that can be put towards items you will use. Doing this also helps to declutter your drawers, cabinets, closets, etc.

Do you have any ideas to add to the collection? I'd love to hear them!

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