Because art doesn't have to be boring...

I posted this on our wordpress blog a while ago and I wanted to share it again! A few reasons why I think Beetling decor is amazing, what do you think?

As parents we search relentlessly for those revolutionary toys and DVDs guaranteed to stimulate babies brains, but is it possible to achieve the same results through decorating? I have done some research on this and have found many articles describing how different colours and textures affect mood and brain development. Primary colours stimulate cognitive processing and development and babies can perceive bright primary colours long before pastels, does that mean those powder blues and soft pinks aren’t a good choice for the nursery? Not necessarily, bright red, blues and yellows are fun and stimulating, but babies also need a calm comforting place to ease them into that deep sleep which is also very important for brain growth. Don’t get discouraged, I have found some simple tips on how to achieve the “perfect” balance between sleep, work and play.

Sleep

This area will usually consist of the crib, night table and a nursing chair and is very well suited for those soft pastels we all love. A baby or toddler needs to feel safe, comfortable and secure in their cribs and it is important to inspire the mind to dream. It is a fact that babies feel comforted by faces, whether it is mommy, daddy or their favourite animal, so this is the perfect spot for wall decor that is lifelike, well visible and still maintains that soft colour pallet. A couple good examples from our collections would be, our Baby Giraffe or our Hey Diddle Diddle nursery rhyme set.

Work

The work space is probably better known as the diaper station. This spot will need to be safe and functional for you and your baby, and a great place for some bright accents. This would be a perfect spot for a mirror to visually entertain or something with texture and dimensions for baby to play with. I think a perfect example of this is our monkey mirror. It is one of our newest additions and it has all of the nurturing qualities a baby needs at the change table: bright faces, texture and of course a mirror to discover themselves.

Play

This will probably be the most important part of the room because it will have to grow with your child for years, and will probably become the most used area in the home. This spot is perfect for bright contrasting colours and fun decor. Babies learn and develop by using their senses so it is important to use safe products that are engaging and at eye level. Imaginative play is proven to play a major role in brain development so this space is much more than just toy storage. Decorate this space to inspire your child and bring life to the room. Our Safari Series and Dinosaurs are designed with all of the ingredients necessary to create a fun and educational environment that will grow with your child.

Viola!

You can combine decorating and nurturing together to develop a room that will stimulate your baby’s brain by designating specific a spot for each of your baby’s needs. More important than this, you can give life to the room that brings you and your baby together for affection and play time, and in my opinion, that is real organic parenting. But is this as effective as the latest DVD or flashy toy? Most importantly, will the room be a fun place for them to play with the box that "super toy" came in?

Angela Orfei is a fan of Beetling and I am a fan of her! She works with Discovery Toys and I wanted to share her story... Who doesn't need a little more play time??

About Me

Almost 2 years ago my husband and I decided to move away from the hustle and bustle of big city living in, Calgary, AB and settled in the beautiful family friendly city of Fredericton, NB.  

My husband and I both changed careers, he moved into a great new management position and I officially became a SAHM.    

I felt very fortunate to have the opportunity to stay home with my children but soon realized that just being a mom and wife wasn’t quite as fulfilling as I had expected.  I found that I missed the feeling of accomplishment that comes with working outside of the home.  

As a SAHM I often felt like I wasn’t accomplishing anything but rather just maintaining the order in my home.  It’s true, I was at home taking care of my children, playing with them and nurturing them, which is a VERY significant accomplishment, but I wanted more. I wanted to find something that would help me retain my computer skills, something that allowed me to be creative, and I wanted to interact with adults as well as kids.

My mother-in-law from Calgary first introduced our family to Discovery Toys Educational Products.  She gave my son a set of Measure Up Cups when he was 2 and a Discovery Toys Water Rocket this past summer.  We loved the toys and it was my mother-in-law’s suggestion that I look into selling them.  I took her advice, like every good daughter-in-law should, and ordered the Success Start Kit in August 2009.  

That was when my LOVE affair with Discovery Toys Educational products began…

Why I LOVE Discovery Toys

I LOVE the fact that my children can play with these toys independently but can learn SO much more through interactive play with me 

I LOVE that the majority of these toys do not need BATTERIES!!  In fact, only 2 toys in the entire catalogue use batteries.  I find that “no batteries” encourages my children to become more engaged in play and involved rather than just be a spectator (active play rather than passive play)

I LOVE the Discovery Toys Unconditional Satisfaction Guarantee!  The DT head office offers me as an Educational Consultant AMAZING customer service.  I in turn can offer No Hassle returns/refunds & exchanges! 

I LOVE the fact that Discovery Toys are so reasonably priced, yet they still have GREAT monthly promotions and sales!  Even better, I can offer busy parents so many different shopping options!  You can order from me online, at a Shopping Party or via email/phone.  

I LOVE Discovery Toys because they are so multifaceted, you can play with these toys in so many different ways.  One of our faves is  Measure Up Cups: These cups are AMAZING, they can be stacked, nested, colour sorted, size sorted, are trilingual, can teach volume, measurement, can be used as stamps in play dough AND show clock positions!  The age range for these cups is 12m-primary, so children can get at least 4 years worth of play out of this toy.  These toys can definitely grow with your children.  Currently my 3 year olds other favourites are Zingo and Motorworks (which is also daddy’s fave)

I LOVE that fact that Discovery Toys has a Parts Replacement Program and you can buy replacement pieces for your toys rather than having to buy a whole new toy.  

I LOVE the fact that Discovery Toys have VERY Strict Testing standards and they have NEVER had a recall in the over 30 years that they have been in business!

What I LOVE the absolute most about these toys is the feeling of accomplishment that I get when I can see that my children are enjoying learning.  I LOVE the proud look on my son’s face as he completes a puzzle or wins a Zingo game.  I LOVE the humungous smile that I receive from my son when I suggest he turn off the T.V. and play a game with me.   

I will admit that as a parent I sometimes forget how important it is to play with my children.  Sometimes it’s hard to ignore the “leaning tower of laundry”, the sink full of dishes or the “crunchy” kitchen floor and make time for play. These toys definitely make learning fun and really encourage parents to spend good quality time with their children.  Through Discovery Toys I have learned to make PLAY a priority in our house.  

Becoming a Discovery Toys Educational Consultant has given me all the opportunities that I was looking for.  I am able to be creative through my business marketing, home shopping parties and planning for events and fairs.  I’ve created a Facebook Fan Page, am on Twitter and most recently started writing my own blog.  I’m extremely busy but I LOVE the feeling of accomplishment that comes with growing a successful home business.  

Instead of just taking care of my family I am taking care of myself and in turn am becoming a better mother and wife, that’s what I LOVE best of
 all.  


To learn more about Discovery Toys contact Angela @


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Michele Borba Ed.D and author of "Parenting Solutions: 101 Answers to Your Everyday Challenges and Wildest Worries" wrote an article in Urban Baby and Toddler that I wanted to share with you. She wrote about raising caring kids which I just love because too often I read articles about how to raise smarter faster and stronger kids and I think we as a society are losing track of what parenting is really about. Her article made me think about my own parenting style as well as some of my own childhood experiences that taught me to care.

 A few of Michele's tips that really jumped out were: 

1. Be the change you want to see 
I know this is something we all think about at some point, but what are we really DOING about it. Our kids are little sponges and they learn from our actions as parents-Monkey see Monkey do right? Imagine what they would soak up if we consciously made it a point to help at least 1 person everyday. It could be as simple as opening the door for a struggling mom juggling 2 kids, bringing old toys to a local charity or calling grandma just to say I love you. Ask yourself what you did today that made a positive difference in someone's life and did you share that experience with your kids? I know this works because my 4 year old holds the door open for e-v-e-r-y-o-n-e because he sees us do it and he loves the "thank-yous" he receives from people. I'm going to make this a daily priority and keep track of our "good deeds" and see the positive effect it has on my boys... I hope you do too, and please share some experiences with me!


2. Pause before you praise
This is something I never really paid much attention to, but I am so guilty of over praising! I think it is natural to be very proud of our children and we want to make sure they know how amazing they are, but we can get carried away. If we reward our children for every "please and thank you" or every time they pick up their toys we can create a monster. Michele talks about the fine line between confidence and cockiness and how over praising our children can make them think the world revolves around them. If your child is very impatient or needs to win every race or game, that can be a sign you have a "monster in training" so nip that in the bud ASAP! This is a problem I have right now and I can tell you it is a hard habit to break. I have started pausing and thinking before I praise and I no longer give gifts as rewards, it is hard but I know it will be worth it! 

3. Get your kids to give back
This is my favourite tip from Michele. Pick a charity or organization that would interest your children and get them involved as hands on as possible so they can see the difference they are making. Writing this just brought back a great memory from my childhood. When I was a wee little girl, I had a piggy bank that I would save money for candy or some barbies. One year when I was 9 or 10 my Dad asked me to save up my money until Christmas and give it away. Of course this sounded crazy to me, especially at Christmas, but my dad promised me a reward so I said yes. We all saved money and when December rolled around we picked 3 families in need and put together a basket full of food, some presents and cash then we personally delivered them. I still remember how grateful they were just to see the food. There were tears and smiles and even at my young age I understood we had made a huge difference in their lives, and it felt really good. For my reward I didn't ask for more presents I asked for a bigger piggy bank and we made a new Christmas tradition. 


Most importantly I think we need to relax and realize there is no such thing as a perfect parent or a perfect child and it is our imperfections that make us unique. We aren't raising robots, we're raising little humans!

Stacey White is the creator of Snugnluv, really unique and GORGEOUS handmade accessories for kids. She is also in charge of a great Canadian social networking site I love called Canadian Collective. Here are some tips about selling your handmade items how to gain more than just money.

Since I started selling my wares online, many people have asked me about  Etsy.  Etsy is an online marketplace for artists, crafters, artisans, and vintage sellers. Vintage refers  to any item that is over twenty years old and supplies encompass anything that is used to make handmade items.   There are over 2.4 million users in 150 countries and the over 155 000 vendors make it a global marketplace. Over $58 million in goods were sold from January-May of 2009. 

My Etsy shop, Snugnluv was started while I was on maternity leave with my second daughter.  I started it in an attempt to make some extra money while staying home with my children.  I had dreams of returning to teaching part time and making enough money from home to supplement, but have quickly realized that it’s nearly impossible to do this long term.  Many of the other “Etsians” that I have met are in the same situation. Personally I found that it was something that I could do for myself, creatively, while home with my children.  It is a very enjoyable past time, but is it enough to support a family? I certainly don’t think so for most people.  

Although it is very therapeutic and rewarding making things by hand is very time consuming.    In order to create enough products to make a large profit I would have to work twenty four hours a day.  Don’t get me wrong, there are a handful of Etsians who make a good living on Etsy, but for most of us it isn’t something we do for the money.  It’s more of a supportive place to sell creative things. 

Artfire and Bonanzale and Dawanda are similar online venues.
One great thing about Etsy is that you can set up your own online shop, with little web site building experience. You have your own domain name for your business cards and you don’t have to pay monthly fees. Simply pay 20 cents per listing and 3.5 % of your sales are taken.  In addition to that you will be responsible for shipping costs and paypal fees. But, it is a relatively easy way to sell your goods. There are forums to discuss things, treasuries that members can create, and showcase spots that you can pay for to advertise.  They will even help you create a banner for your shop and offer tips from growing and managing your shop on their blog the Storque. 

Celebrities are even on Etsy.  Rosie O’ Donnell has an Etsy shop and she gives the profits to charity. Many sellers have stories about selling their handcrafted items to A list celebrities.  The site has been getting more press lately and has improved their search engine optimization (SEO) so that listings will be picked up by Google. 
The idea of supporting handmade artisans, purchasing originals, and buying recycled vintage goods is fantastic.  I try my best to buy supplies and gifts on Etsy and have found the prices pretty reasonable.  I even bought myself a new Bernina sewing machine off of my profits.   Through Etsy, I can continue to sell my handmade originals and patterns but I certainly won’t be expecting to quit my day job!
Stacey White 

More from Stacey at:
Snugnluv
Blog
Twitter
Canadian Collective

One of my favourite design magazines, House and Home, highlighted some important tips on how to spend wisely on trends. Editor in Chief, Suzanne Dimma has some great advice on how to stick to a your style and not get carried away with today's trend that may become tomorrow's disaster! Here is my take on a few of her rules:

Look for long term love.

I absolutely agree with this! Just like looking for a long term a relationship, find that attractive and comfortable match for you and any little imperfections it may have can be fixed with some accessories or lighting. 

When I purchase something big like a new sofa I need to think about comfort, durability and style. If I can't cozy up with a great book and cup of tea, it isn't for me. If the gorgeous fabric can't hold up to my 2 little boys rough and toughness, I may cry a little but I won't buy it. Most importantly, and this should speak for a lot of us, if it isn't neutral, it isn't worth it. I want something I can change up with a few new throw pillows and I don't want to have to buy a new couch every time we paint. Basically,  If you can't live with it for the next 10 years, don't buy it. 

Channel your inner stylista

This one can be a little tough. Not all of us are born with an eye for great style, my tip would be if you can't channel your inner stylista, dial your stylish friend. We all have one and I am sure they all love the compliment so don't be afraid to call a friend for advice. If that isn't an option Suzanne suggests that you ask yourself, "Is this something (stylish friend) would have in his/her home?" If not, then keep looking. This could save you a lot of time and money. 

Stay focused

With so many new trends and and styles out there it's easy to get carried away. If you don't pick your style and stick with it you can end up creating something very confusing and what I like to call "a hot mess." Do some research first, look through magazines, watch some design videos or call a designer for a consultation. I like to walk through some new show homes for ideas and sometimes they will even sell you some of the pieces. If you haven't made up your mind between eclectic, modern or classic style, you probably aren't ready to redecorate. Pick up this edition of House and Home, they have some great tips and showcase some gorgeous kitchen and bathroom renovations.

Progressive Parenting Network is an online community of parents, educators and caregivers that promotes physically, educationally and emotionally healthy children who surpass developmental milestones.  The goal of Progressive Parenting Network is to collect and share the best practices for helping children achieve and exceed expectations. 

SLEEP TRAINING – The nursery is painted, the crib and changing table are put together…finally.  You have created a perfectly coordinated safari scene of 3-D giraffe, tree and zebra wall art from www.beetling.com.  The only problem is that even though she is old enough, your bouncing little baby does not want to sleep in her brand new room by herself.  You and your spouse take turns every night easing her into sleep then gently laying her in the bed and sneaking out of her room only to hear that dreaded “whimper” as you tip-toe down the hall.  Then back into the room you go.  The cycle seems to continue long into the night.  You wonder how other parents seem to find time to do other things while your nights “begin” at midnight each night! 

Not to worry, new parents, there is a solution that will have you sleeping in your own beds again.  It is called “sleep training” and it is exactly what it sounds like.  Please be aware, that training your little one to sleep is not the most fun you will ever have—especially if you are extra sensitive to a crying baby; but ultimately the process is well worth it.  There are several methods of sleep training that have merit, however the one that worked for us was a cold-turkey approach, suggested by a friend whose son (born a week after our baby girl) was able to put himself to sleep without being held.  
Our little one stood up in her crib and cried for about an hour for the first night.  After she realized the crying was not working, she fell asleep standing up!  She stood sleeping, leaning on her crib for two and a half hours for the first night.  Fortunately we installed a baby-cam in addition to the audio baby monitor so we could keep an eye on the progress and make sure there were no actual problems.  The following night she only protested for about 20 minutes— probably because she was tired and likely figured that the extra effort to stay awake just was not worth it.  After a few days, our daughter was able to put herself to sleep in her room (in complete darkness) without Mommy or Daddy holding her.  For this process to work, there are several factors that need to be addressed by the parents.  To keep this post moving, however, the summary is that the child needs to be able to trust that everything will be alright when she goes to sleep and that you will be there for her when she wakes up.  Your child can feel this sense of security because of your effort on the front end – all of the loving and nurturing pays off now (among other times)!
After sleep training, our daughter knows what to expect and has a routine where she is able to put herself to sleep and remain asleep for 11 -12 hours each night with a 2 hour nap during the day.  The best part is that we are able to be adults after her bedtime and we can get the rest we need.  When you step out of your home people will not immediately identify you as the parent of a baby evidenced by your disheveled appearance and bags under your eyes. Sleep training might be the single most important thing we have done for our whole family since she was born.


You can find more great tips on their website or twitter