Expectant parents walking through a baby furniture store are easily assaulted by the wide variety of nursery items available. Even if your plan was always to keep things simple and inexpensive it can sometimes be difficult to ignore the massive quantities of really cute things available. Just because you’re on a budget, however, does not mean that you can’t pull together a beautiful and clever nursery for your baby.

Here are some tips to follow when you want to save as much money as you can while decorating your baby’s room:

• Secondhand does not always translate to old and dusty. If you have never ventured into a consignment store or perused online auctions then you may not realize that just because something is “used” it doesn’t mean that it has been used all that much. Some items that wind up getting sold used were obtained as gifts and were actually never used, or were used a little but well-maintained.Don’t be scared to buy things secondhand! You can find some really great deals and will probably get a lot more for your money. Check local consignment stores as well as classified ads, online resources, and even garage sales.

• Coupons and sales are great. Some things you shouldn’t – or may not want to – buy secondhand, so for these instances it’s a good idea to wait to make your purchases until there is a sale or clearance. Watch the ads and check online to find out when the best sales are for stores offering nursery decorations. Keep in mind that you don’t have to buy all the decorations for your baby’s room at stores that are specific to baby stuff. Any store that offers decorative items will probably have suitable items for purchase.Join the mailing lists for the stores you like and you’ll start receiving coupons via e-mail or regular mail as well as being notified of sales and clearances.

• Don’t get carried away. Before you make your purchases, take a step back and see if you need to censor yourself a little bit. Remember that your baby could care less whether the wallpaper trim is expensive or cheap, and frankly the baby won’t even care if there is any wallpaper trim at all. Try to think in the terms of what the baby wants: a safe, comfortable place to sleep. All the extras are usually things that the parents add to make something aesthetically pleasing to an adult eye.Keep the decorations simple. By not getting carried away with purchases you’ll inevitably save some money.

• Make your own decor. Even if you aren’t particularly crafty you can still pull off some pretty impressive decorations by following a kit or using your own imagination. Making something on your own almost always costs less than buying it brand new in a store. Take a look at some photos in a catalog to see what kind of decor you want for your baby’s room and then figure out what you can create on your own.Decor for a baby room that you lovingly create yourself is not only more frugal than purchasing it elsewhere, it also makes for a unique room.

Always keep in mind that your baby isn’t born expecting a designer nursery. The nursery should be functional and pleasing to the eye, but not something that you need to take out a second mortgage to finance.

by Andrea SteedYou’ve finished the layout you’ve been working on for a couple of days, but somehow instead of all of the paper being ON your layout, you’re left with a pile of extra paper that you’ve cut photo mats, titles, journaling blocks and embellishments from. It’s a mixture of cardstock, patterned paper and vellum. You could just toss it all and start fresh with every layout, but let me give you some reasons why you shouldn’t toss those “scraps”.

Why should I save my scraps?

• Scraps make great borders, decorative squares, and mosaics.
• You can use them to make punchies with your large collection of punches.
• You only need a little bit of paper to cut out the letters for a title.
• Small pieces of paper can be used to create accents on handmade greeting cards.
• Your children will love to “scrap” with you! Give them a pile of your scraps to get started.
• It saves you money! (so you can buy OTHER scrapbooking things!)

How should I organize my scraps?

There are a few different ways you can organize your scraps, and whatever system works best for you is the one you should follow. My personal system includes separating your scrap paper into three categories: cardstock, patterned paper, and specialty papers. You can also get really ambitious and color code your scraps by storing them in separate file folders. I recommend a drawer or folder that is large enough to hold 12 x 12 paper, so that you don’t need to cut your scraps down even more before filing them. You never know when you’ll need a 12 x 12 border!

It is a good idea to clean out your scrap folders or drawers every once in a while. When my scrap supply gets out of control, I get rid of the smaller pieces of paper and hold on to the larger ones. It’s actually kind of fun to go through my old scraps. Just like a quilter knows her fabrics, I can tell you how each paper scrap was used.

I’ve been saving my scraps since I first started scrapbooking. It’s amazing how often I go to my scrap drawer and find the perfect paper to use on another layout or card. So often I find that I need just a small piece of paper in a certain color, and don’t want to cut into a brand new piece. So don’t toss those scraps; they can be used.
About the Author
Andrea Steed is the author and creator of Scrap Tutor, a web site and CD-ROM that teaches you how to create scrapbooks and how to perform many popular techniques used in scrapbooking. For more information, visit www.scraptutor.com.

A babies’ first birthday is highly anticipated and celebrated time in most families as it denotes a full year since the birth of the baby. This year included many changes and milestones as well as lots of hugs, smiles, boo boos and tears. There may not be another birthday for a while that is surrounded in as much excitement as the first birthday, so having a big bash for baby is not only fun but a great excuse for a party.

Party Time
What time is the best time to invite everyone over for your baby’s party? You want to make sure your baby is not going to be cranky, so you should pick a time when your baby will be well rested and not hungry. If your baby is on a schedule and you know when he should be napping, try to schedule the party between naps. Don’t make the party last too long. Your baby has a short attention span and after too much festivity is likely to begin getting fussy.

Invitation List
Invitation lists vary from house to house. If your main focus is your baby’s birthday don’t invite over so many people that he gets easily overwhelmed. Just a couple of family members would be enough to celebrate the big day. If you want to use your baby’s birthday as a time to have a family get together try having an outdoor barbeque so that your baby doesn’t feel closed in, or inviting a few family members early to celebrate the birthday and have the rest come at the end of the party.

Decorations
Everybody loves balloons, especially babies! There is nothing silly about decorating for your baby’s first birthday party, but remember if you make it too “busy” your maybe may get stressed or overwhelmed by it and not be able to relax and enjoy his day. Try keeping the decorations low key, and in bright colors that will catch your baby’s eye. Stick to one theme and have fun with it!

Cakes
Yes, we said “cakes”. The best part of a first birthday is watching your baby put cake all over his face. No one really wants to eat a cake though that has been in a baby’s face! Many stores will make mini cakes, just for your baby, or you can make a little cake to decorate just for your baby’s birthday. This way your baby has his own cake that he can pose with for pictures and enjoy making a mess out of, while you and your family have a cake you can enjoy eating.

Pictures
Be sure to take lots of pictures and video. This occasion commences the end of your baby’s first year of life and will only happen once. You will definitely want pictures of every moment to look back on and to share with friends and family members that were not able to make it.

Presents
Don’t feel pressured to open all your baby’s presents while the guests are at your house. Most people will understand if you choose to wait till it is quieter and less active in the house to have your baby sit down and try his hand at unwrapping packages. It might be that your baby needs a nap before he is able to tackle the task of tearing off wrapping paper. Be sure to keep a list of what everyone gives your baby though for your thank you notes.

Thank You Notes
It is always good manners to send thank you notes out for the gifts your baby receives from his birthday parties. Use the list you made as your baby opened his presents to write the thank you cards. You can even enclose a picture of your baby with that gift, or another pictures from your baby’s first birthday party. This is a good way to send out baby’s one year pictures to family members, without having to use an extra stamp.

by: Kimberly Hargis

Age 1: Invite only family members and close friends only because this birthday is more for the parents than for the child. At age 1, a child doesn’t understand the concept of “Birthday Party.” He or she is getting a lot of attention—which is all a 1-year-old wants or understands anyway. You should not go overboard on presents because too much could scare or confuse a child. You should consider getting specialty items such as a plate that says “First Birthday,” a 1-year-old candle, and possible a table cover that everyone could sign with fabric paint to have as keepsakes that can someday be shown (or given to) to your grown child.

Age 2: 2-years-olds should have one or two playmates over for a small Birthday Play Day. Again I suggest you keep a birthday plate and other keepsakes for your 2-year-old.

Age 3: 3-year-olds should have three to four playmates over, and at this age you might have try a birthday game such as “Who can stack the blocks the highest?” I do not recommend having a clown or playing any games that require a blindfold over a child’s eyes such key due to the fact either can scare children at this age. Remember your child has just turned 3, and the playmates are around that age. They are still not able to understand fully structured games very well. They only know if they do something good or better than other children, everyone will give them attention. Again I suggest you collect keepsakes.

Age 4: At 4, children should now be ready for a “real” party. I suggest four or five playmates. 4-year-olds are ready now for party decorations, but I suggest you do less and save your money for the big number “5” birthday (or buy decorations that you can put away and use again). Games such as Musical Chairs, and carrying a hard boiled egg on a spoon to the finish line without dropping it relay race can be appropriate, but remember that games will be played and finished much sooner than you think. Consider having a few of your child’s favorite videos on hand. Even if the kids have seen them 100 times, they will enjoy them. After an hour or so, you will probably need a break and the children might be cranky. A movie they are all spellbound by will be a great way to relax the kids and you. You might want to consider spreading a couple of blankets on the floor and have some pillows handy for sleepyheads!

Age 5: 5-year-olds should have a big party, but remind them that this is because they are the big “5,” and either starting school or just in school, and having a “big” party will not happen every year. Explain to them that big parties are only for special birthdays such as 5 because they have started or are starting school, 10 because that is the first double-digit number, and of course 16 (“Sweet 16” for girls and “Driving Age” for boys). This will save you money in the long run. On the fifth birthday, I suggest you first decide if you want to do it yourself, rent a building or park area but still do it yourself, or call local businesses (like McDonalds) to see what party-planning packages they offer. I personally suggest renting a park area if weather permits because the kids will be just as happy playing on park equipment as they would if you spent a ton of money on a professionally planned party. Have several inexpensive disposable cameras on hand and let your Birthday Boy or Girl take pictures of his or her first “big” party!

Great games for 5-year-olds whether inside or outside are:

If you are going to have a shower choosing the theme is an important step in the planning process. You don’t have to have a theme however having one will make the party entertaining, fun, and a memorable experience.

If you choose to have a theme, ask yourself what your baby shower guests would find enjoyable. Once you have a theme you can build your shower around that. It will help you determine the location, whom to invite, what kind of baby shower decorations, games, food, beverages, and favors you need to buy. You can even use your nursery theme to build your shower plans around.

You also need to determine if the baby shower will be before the baby arrives or after. If you choose to have it after you can make it a “Welcome Baby” party, vs. a shower for the mother, and you get to show off your baby.

Some examples of baby shower themes include:

• Baby girl shower theme
• Baby boy shower theme
• Baby Diaper Cake shower theme
• Teddy Bear shower theme
• Gift Basket shower theme
• Stork shower theme
• Nursery Rhyme shower theme
• Winnie the pooh baby shower theme
• Christmas baby shower theme
• Baby game shower theme
• Noah’s ark shower theme
• Sports shower theme
• Teddy bear shower theme
• Snoopy shower theme
• Princess shower theme
• Angel shower theme
• Cowboy shower theme
• Precious moments shower theme

There are many more theme choices out there, after all the sky is the limit when it comes to your baby! Use your imagination and make it the best party you can.

by Criss White

Planning and organization are crucial to hosting a successful baby shower. Below are some important topics to consider when planning:

1) Who will host the shower?
The person that plans and hosts the shower can be anyone, but is usually someone who is close to the new or expecting mother. Normally, a close friend or family member will do all the preparations, but sometimes the new mother will help as well, particularly with the guest list. Sometimes a small group of friends can plan the event together.

In the event of a surprise baby shower, planning must occur more carefully and invitations should be sent out in secret. In this circumstance, people who are not as close to the new mother will be involved in acquiring supplies and getting the word out.

2) Who should be invited?
Be sure to invite all the mother’s friends and family to the event. If planning a surprise party, make sure that everyone you tell helps spread the word. A close friend or family member may know most of the mother’s friends, but it can also be helpful to ask co-workers and other friends to make sure that no one is left out.

Also, men are increasingly being included in these parties. An all women’s shower can be different than a shower with both men and women, so the planner should consider these things as well.

If other young children will be in attendance, then make sure to plan events for them too. Not planning for children is a common oversight that adults make when planning parties of this nature. Baby shower games are a fun way for both children and adults to celebrate.

3) Where and when should the shower occur?
The party should be held at a location that is comfortable to the new mother. Oftentimes, the most common place to host a party is at a friend’s or family member’s home. In this case, the mother will not have to worry about cleaning up afterwards.

Sometimes, the party is hosted at the mother’s place. This can be convenient as well because the mother doesn’t have to go anywhere. Friends of the mother can help with the clean up afterwards.

For larger baby showers, banquet halls or other locations can be rented. Other places include parks, restaurants, catered dining rooms, or anywhere else that might be appropriate. It is okay to plan things differently as long as the mother and everyone else has a good time.

Most baby showers occur several weeks before the baby is due. Sometimes showers occur after the baby is born, which allows the guest to see the new baby. When to have the baby shower is entirely based on the preferences of the host and the mother.

Most showers occur on the weekends. Saturday is a popular day for these parties. They can occur in the afternoon or evening, depending on various factors, like people’s schedules and how much you want to spend. Generally, dinner parties are more expensive than hosting lunch.

4) What activities should be planned?
There are many games and activities that can be planned in advance to make a baby shower memorable. Baby themed games are a fun way for everyone to celebrate a new baby. Do a search for “baby shower games” on the internet and you will find many games, some of which you can purchase and some that are free.

A short speech of congratulations is also a nice surprise for the new mother. If such a speech occurs, it is usually from a close friend or family member. A good time for congratulations is before eating lunch or dinner.

Finally, make some time before, between, and after events for everyone to mingle with the new or expecting mom.

5) What kind of food is appropriate?
The food at the party does not necessarily have to be baby-themed, although that can be a nice touch. The most common baby-themed food is baby shower diaper cake. Your local bakery can also make other items like cookies and pastries in the shape of baby blocks, pacifiers, rubber ducks, and other baby items. Or you can make them yourself. Most importantly, make sure to pick food that everyone will enjoy.

If you are hiring a caterer, then be sure to ask them about their ideas and experiences with baby showers. They may have some creative ideas that you may not have thought about.

6) Decorations and party favors.
Your local party supply store will probably have plenty of decorations for your baby shower. Specifically themed decorations can also be purchased online.

Buying party favors for your guests is always a nice way to say thank you for coming. These gifts for your guests can range from themed candies to more expensive keepsakes, including personalized items. Special prizes can also be given out for game winners or other people who have been important in the mother’s life and during the pregnancy.

7) During the party.
Greet the guests when they arrive and have others help out if necessary to make sure everything runs smoothly. And finally, don’t forget to have fun after all the planning and preparation.

About the Author:
Criss White is a professional web writer on baby and new mother topics for baby and pregnancy websites. For more articles on baby showers, check out our Baby Shower Ideas and more baby articles at Baby Lullaby.

by Lisa R Kennedy/Lynda Bruschini

Wall decor: Murals are a luxurious choice but not always a viable one. If a mural is possible, consider one created on canvas that can be hung like wall paper to avoid having your home disrupted for any length of time. In many instances a canvas mural can be removed when hung professionally with little or no damage to the walls. You can even have a canvas mural hung on a thin piece of finished wood which can be removed and relocated if desired.

Wall Hangings are an inexpensive option that can adorn your child’s wall in many themes, colors and sizes, shapes and styles. They go up easily, inexpensively and can be taken down and saved or relocated, just as quickly.

Wall Borders are usually associated with a theme room and are available in numerous colors, styles and designs. Quite often they can be hung as a DIY project, with install directions sometimes included from the manufacturer or available at your local hardware store.

Stick-n-peel. Removable Wall art seems to be one of the newest trends. Be sure to look for the ones that say “removable”. They are available in many sizes, designs and colors but are not quite as easily found. The removable ones absolutely leave no damage to the wall and depending on the manufacturer the quality provides a great, convenient look that can be altered, rearranged or removed and saved on the original backing sheet for relocation!

We offer all of the above ideas and can help to create that perfect nursery or room for your child. Come visit our website and get some new ideas rolling.

About the Author:
I am Lisa Kennedy, co-author of this article and with the help of my sister/muralist, I came up with the most perfect nursery – even better than I imagined for my daughter. Think long and hard about the above steps and you can do the same. Visit their site at www.makingascenemural.com or email at lisa@makingascenemural.com.