I have a big house that is completely empty, but I care more about what will be hanging on the walls of Baby’s nursery walls than I do on my own walls. I know my priorities!

The PARENTAL UNITS have decided to go with a gender neutral jungle theme for the nursery. The walls are a beautiful happy blue and now the room is empty and a blank canvas. They’ve decided that they would like to purchase a rug and use that as the main inspiration for the room. I’ll write about nursery/baby/kid rugs later, but let’s focus on the art.

Three example of what I believe are good things to have in nursery art (click on the thumbnails to enlarge):

The first one, I think is more sophisticated. It’s high on the cute scale without being “sugar coated goo-goo-ga-ga,” if you know what I mean. Also, it has the names of the animals which is always a plus educationally.

The second one is high on the color factor and super cute. It has loys of animals and the numerous colors could match with any nursery colors. Having a variety of animals and colors allows parents to be flexible with the rest of the decor of the room.

The third one (my favorite) is a little more abstract. It’s creative and unique, colorful, and an interesting picture of a zebra. I love it! Though all 3 are quite different, they are all nice to have depending on your own personal taste in decorating your child’s room.

The PARENTAL UNITS do not want anything too mainstream and too cutesy-mutesey. I totally agree with them on this. I think that when you’re decorating a nursery you have to put part of your own character and intersts into it. Be open and creative. DON’T do everything in Winnie the Pooh just because that’s what you think a nursery should look like. You should have fun creating a room for your child.

 Ladies, throw those excuses away. You’re a NEW MOM with a NEW BABY. What about that is unfashionable that you should carry an ugly bag? You didn’t carry ugly bags when you were single or when you were dating or when you were engaged or when you were married, SO why would you want an ugly diaper bag? Don’t you think you need a modern, chic, and functionale diaper bag now that BABY is here?

Don’t be frumpy. Feel fantastic by looking fantastic. Whether in leather, a designer luxury brand, a funky printed design, or just something simple but classic, choose a diaper bag that says something about you. Get a bag that says “I’m a mom, and I’m hot, AND , I still have good taste! Thank you!” **My personal favorite is the lat bag!** Classy and sophisticated!

Great article about Chic Bags that are…yes, actually diaper bags! http://www.parents.com/parents/slideshow/slideShow.jsp?slideid=/templatedata/parents/slideshow/data/1188231408367.xml

 Here‘s a little taste of what’s out there:

The Louis Vuitton Monogram Mini Lin Diaper Bag…. Gorgeousness at… can you guess the price? 

 StorkSak Chocolate Julie Diaper Bag   LOVE LOVE LOVE this bag! Again, very classic!
$225.00

YOU HAVE TO LOVE THESE! These cute (and fashionable diaper bags) are smaller and are more for short errands out of the house–good to have already stocked up with all the basics for when you have to run out!  Fleurville Escape Pods (13 to choose from!)

Reasons for a Modern, Unique, and Fabulous Baby Shower : 1) I love the PARENTAL UNIT and they deserve to have a tres chic baby shower, and 2) it’s a time of celebration with friends and family. That’s why the shower and the food has to be as wonderful as the two new parents-to-be.

Yes, the pics are a little too “girly” for the kind of baby shower we’re throwing, but it is inspiring especially if you’re really wanting to do a tea party baby shower for a little girl.

The PARENTAL UNIT have decided that they would like a “tea party-like” jungle baby shower. The PARENTAL UNIT are not a bland boring couple, therefore, they will not have a bland boring baby shower. Everything will be personalized and handmade by none other than the the star chef/baker/gourmet food aficionado THE BROTHER. You will want to check out how he does this because I plan to take lots of pics so that you can bring delicious-ness to your own baby shower or other parties you’ll host.

On the menu for the baby shower will be an assortment of different delicious exotic tea sandwiches and hor’devours, petit fours, truffles, cupcakes, and special meringue kisses. EVERYTHING for the baby shower will be documented so check back to see more pictures and how we did what.

Now onto the inspiration:

1. Tea Sandwiches: We’re making our own recipes for the spreads for these. I’ll post more about these when we make them.

2. Petit Fours

3. Jungle cupcakes

4. The truffles will be specially made, again our own recipes, so check back.

5. Meringue kisses…which be the favors for the guests. Thanks to Ms. Martha Stewart herself for the inspiration! We’ll be wrapping the meringue kisses in green plastic wrap with ribbon and a label that says “Sending you home with some kisses…” Cute, right?! Here’s Martha’s recipe for the Italian Meringues: http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/italian-meringue-kisses and the meringues:

The baby shower menu is a work in progress. I’m excited to really explore how creative we can be with the food! I want it beautiful and delicious… of course!