Non-Diaper Diaper Tote

I used my LL Bean tote as a child, holding my beach gear, picnic gear, etc. Even in college, I used the very same bag for books. When my sister-in-law gave me a much overdue replacement, I couldn't help but think how handy these totes come in for just about anything. They would even make a great, personalized, non-diaper, diaper bag! LL Bean has a variety at $17.95-$30.95. They come in all colors and can be personalized with pockets, zippers, the works. And each season they have limited edition designs with fun pictures and embroidery!Also, as a great budget pick, I love the personalized ones from the Nest shop. They are presently on sale for only $11.99

Nest Shop

So continuing the idea of gifts for soon-to-be parents, I love the very popular Nest websites' online store. They even have these great city-specific guides for $16.95How about this adorable Lu-lu Pregnancy Journal? Its only priced at $49.95 and I could see this as a mother to daughter gift.

Baby Bee Gifts

So recently a couple of friends have found that they are expecting! I decided to investigate good mommy-to-be gifts and yesterday's candle is only the tip of the iceberg. So some present moms have told me this was a pregnancy favorite as their bellies were growing. Two different brands have been cited so I'll tell you about both and you can decide for yourself! First is the Bella B Tummy Honey at $19.95The second version was the Burt's Bees Mama Belly Butter for $11.19Lastly, what a great gift basket for a new baby, the Burt's Bees Bundle of Joy Basket at $24.99

Woodwick Green

Recently I've been addicted to these long lasting, wonderfully scented soy candles. The Woodwick candles always have that namesake wooden wick which sounds like a calming crackling fire. I've been on a all natural soy candle kick after reading that artificial fragrances and candles can cause hormonal imbalances. Even if my information is incorrect, these candles smell so good and burn for 100 hours, they're well worth it! My favorite scent is, by far, "lavender hills." These would make a great relaxation gift for a new mommy or a mommy-to-be!

Custom Bedding

Like paper dolls for crib bedding, this is such a fun feature! Carousel Designs allows you to custom select your crib set fabrics and trims using this innovative design feature and their prices are not too bad either. When I played around, I created a custom set for around $300.

Well Appointed House

It is no secret that Well Appointed House is one of my favorite retailers for everything under the sun. I just love their children's line; look at these adorable nursery inspirations.They remind me of that nursery from Father of the Bride 2 which had such beautifully captured light! Thanks http://hookedonhouses.net/ for the photo!

Sailor Suits

A couple weeks ago I was visiting with a good friend. We had a laugh about how our parents used to dress us up as sailors. He said his parents thought that Victorian little boys' hair cut with the bangs and bob was fashionable! I couldn't help laughing at my old sailor dress, which I loved because I thought I was that cartoon character Sailor Moon! Those photos look timeless and sweet, even if they are good for a laugh. We joked that our children just have to endure that right of passage! If you really look into it, the sailor suit is a classic. Just look at Prince Albert Edward, later to be known as King Edward VII of the United Kingdom.
I was thrilled to see Best Dressed Child's huge selection of sailor suits. Starting at just $20.99 this little Carriage Boutique romper is a classic for your little prince! I am also very impressed by the selection at Wear Me Out Boys, look at these off the wall options such as costume-looking Captain's Suit for $49.99. Or the very classic Short Set for $45
Last but not least, this adorable little Nautical dress for $45

Best Dressed Child

Alrighty, I have to admit I have a minor obsession with this shop - its freaking adorable! Best Dressed Child carries everything from classic sailor rompers (more on that tomorrow, promise) to eton suits to hand smocked gowns, including some favorites by Anavini. And they have a fantastic sale section too for bargain hunters!

Hand Smocking

If you are ever driving from New York to Miami (I know, you would have to be mad like me) on I-95, please stop into this adorable, adorable boutique in Jacksonville, FL called Hobbie Horse. They have the most splendid selection of fine children's clothing.
If you can't make it there, a lot of the same items are available from the online boutique Little Southern Darlings. One of my favorite things that both boutiques have in common? They carry Anavini, a line of hand smocked baby and toddler clothing. So classic, these items just seem ready to be passed sibling to sibling, generation to generation! More on these little darlings tomorrow!

Airfork One

This affordable gift fork is a riot! Made of stainless steel and silicone this is easy to clean, dishwasher safe and so fun. Priced at only $10, thanks to the Bibelot, one of my all time favorite shops!

Non-Diaper Diaper Bag

So I just picked up this Felix Rey for Target bag on sale today. I scored it in navy for half the original price. I'm using it as a carry-all but it would make a fantastic (and fantastically affordable) non-diaper, diaper bag. It holds everything and for around $20, that's not too shabby! Plus, the inside has this wild, fun wave print. It also comes in gold at the same fantastic price!

Serene & Lily Sale

Just an FYI, Serena & Lily's Summer Sale!My favorites? The Posey Quilt, presently priced at $75Bay lamp, priced at $125.30, I love the lampshade with sunshine yellow trim! And lastly, the Charlie Crib set, how fun! Its going for $269.50

Crafty Girl's Room

Okay so I confess, I love Martha Stewart. I was just perusing her website and saw this crafty idea for a crystal embellished lamp - how sweet for a little girl's room.What about a butterfly mobile? You can buy one already made from the Dali Museum for $19.99 or order the butterfly garland from GG Distributors for $11.50 and get creative. You could restring it onto a loop, hang them from a curtain rod, whatever you like!

Time for Some Mod

So last time, I featured Affordable Mod furniture, what about dreamy-price-tag-no-consequence Mod furniture? All modern, baby!

No seriously, AllModernBaby.com, wait was that super cheesy? I had to...

This Bloom Coco Plexistyle Baby Lounger is so sleek, it could go in any room. It can be yours for $349.99This Bloom Fresco highchair is so spacey - fantastic for $399.99!I love this space saving Oeuf Crib Set, how clever! It is priced at $1,120

Knit Mobiles

I'm loving the bright, knit mobiles offered by Baby Gap for $59.99

Gifts for Twins

Sometimes, twins happen! When someone is expecting two little munchkins, a whole world of gift giving and fun things opens up!

When in doubt, two of a kind always works. These soft blankets are affordable enough to have two personalized! They are priced at $29 and personalization is $6.50 each from Pottery Barn Kids.

How about this sweet sterling silver lily pad necklace from Red Envelope? It is on sale for $54.99 and you can specify the number of pearls from one to three!

Unconventionally cute, these peas in a pod salt and pepper shakers would make a really lovely (and affordable!) shower gift. They are priced at $19.50 from the Bibelot.

Modern Changing Table

For city dwellers, space is a premium. This Murphy Bed-like Bo Ekstrom changing table is a fantastic invention! However, it will cost you - exactly $750 at Spunky Sprout. Thanks Inhabitots!
For more city dwelling nursery inspiration, check out ohdeedoh. Also call me crazy but last winter Domino Magazine (RIP, sadly) had a nursery decor feature. One innovative mom bought one of the commercial grade wall-mounted changers. They are readily available on ebay for under $200. Once you paint them to match the wall color, they virtually disappear. You may not even be able to see it; it is on the left wall!

Wall Accents, Part II

So when my husband and I were married, Wonderful Graffiti was just gaining momentum. Today they have reached far beyond the wedding community, offering a bevy of fun nursery decor ideas too. Check out the monogram section for a lot of ideas!

Wall Accents, Part I

Browsing around Land of Nod today and saw some adorable wall accents. A far cry from the cartoon character wall clings of my childhood, these are mod and fun. I love these little plane ones, priced at only $25I also love these stick on frames for $24.95 - what a great way to display your little one's masterpiece!

Budget Dresses

So after looking at all those beautiful children's clothing items, I decided to see if I could track down some more classic baby clothes on a budget. My favorite place of all? Target! I think this Girls' Floral Eyelet Dress in Pink is just adorable and only $16.99.

How about this Girls' Floral Dress in Pink and Sage for only $16.99? Of all the dresses, this is by far my favorite! This Girls' Floral Eyelet Border Dress goes for only $16.99