GoodyBlog

Plug of the Week: Home Improvment Made Easy

When Marni Jameson isn’t writing for Parents, she’s dishing out very practical and funny home-decorating advice in her syndicated column “At Home with Marni Jameson." Her new book, The House Always Wins, is about how you can create your dream home—but a real-world, budget-friendly dream home that actually works for a family, not a spartan, spotless showroom. And the book isn't all how-tos: Marni has two daughters, one of whom wants gorillas and elephants painted on her bedroom walls and a “furry phone,” so she’s also got great tips on finding a sane compromise when your kids make crazy decor requests. You can order a copy here or enter to win one by sending her your most horrific remodeling tale.

Snuggly Seating

I'm loving all the fun, multi-purpose furniture for kids. (And I thought I was special because I had a purple bean bag chair when I was little! Oh, ye of little functionality.) As if the plush toy storage seat from Boon wasn't cool enough, now there's Pkolino Silly Soft Seating. Kids can hug it, climb it, lounge on it, or turn it into a little desk (the lack of sharp edges makes it perfect for wobbly toddlers.) And the fabric is removable and washable, so the inevitable food- or fingerpaint-related mishap isn't panic-worthy.

Fab Sale Alert

The spring season is still young, but that doesn't bother the people at Land of Nod: They're having a huge "spring cleaning" sale full of tons of great stuff...and it's up to 80 percent off! Our top pick: These chic and simple bowling bag-esque "Strike and Spare" diaper bags ($69, down from $140.)

Clever Toy Storage Solution

If your house is in serious danger of being overtaken by your kid's stuffed animals, check out this toy storage/plushy seat combo from Boon. When your child is done snuggling with her cuddly pals, all she has to do is stuff them in this fuzzy bag and voila—she's got a pretty awesome beanbag-esque chair. Take a look at all the cool colors and styles here.

Spankin' New Headlines

2550 kids get called to detention at a Florida school. USA Today

How new parents adapt—or don’t adapt—their homes to fit their children. New York Times

82 children have died from playing a choking game, according to a CDC report. Chicago Tribune

How do kids become such expert liars? New York Magazine

New trend: Websites help families deal with health crises. Newsweek

Original photo via

A Nursery That Won't Break the Bank

If you're in the market for adorable, affordable baby furniture and bedding, Sunday is your lucky day: That's when Target unveils its Dwell Studio baby collection. It's a swoon-worthy collaboration: I love Dwell's clean, modern graphics and style, but the price prevents me from buying up tons of their stuff (and I would happily wipe out their entire inventory if money was no object.) Fortunately, Target helped bring the prices way down without sacrificing Dwell's chicness; just check out the changing table and two cribs below.


   

Terrific Toddler Bed

My daughter, Jane, loved her crib, and I was in no hurry to get rid of it since she'd never even tried to climb out on her own. But when she started reminding me, "All my friends have big-girl beds," I began contemplating making the switch. With my older daughter, we'd graduated right to a twin bed, but something told me that Jane would be more comfortable in a cozy, low-to-the-ground toddler bed that wasn't drastically different than her crib. So many of the beds I'd seen were kitchy princess or car ones, so I was thrilled to find this simple wood bed at KidFurnitureMart. I also ordered a toddler bedding set that includes a comforter that's fitted on the bottom end and doesn't fall off in the middle of the night. Jane couldn't be happier. For three mornings in a row, she's actually told me, "Mommy, I had so much fun sleeping in my big-girl bed."

Tetris-like Shelving

This Tetrad Shelving takes me back to my Nintendo days more than I care to admit, but kudos to ModernTots for creating such a mod take on something so completely retro.  (Buyer's beware: the image to the right contains two sets of blocks, each retailing for a whopping $750!) Blocks interlock so there are lots of assembly options, but you may want to brush up on your Tetris skills before mounting them on the wall. Link thanks to Daily Candy.

Discount on Kids' Furniture

If you haven't seen the the amazing kids' furniture designed by Jennifer DeLonge yet, get thee to her website ASAP! She makes beautiful kids' furniture that looks like Honey I Shrunk the Sofa, and she sells everything from chairs to ottomans to modern toy storage. The best part is that DeLonge is offering a special discount for GoodyBlog readers. Just put in the code "holiday" to get 20% off anything you buy now through the holidays. Check out the pic below of a gingerbread house decorating party that Jennifer and her husband, Tom (rockstar member of Blink 182), threw at their house with the Grace Table and Stools. The tables are the perfect height for little crafters!

Personalize Your Puppy: The Most Fun Lamp Ever

I just had to post about the Offi MyPetLamp—HoweePup Jr. The lamp itself is just so cute—plus your kids can draw on it with the included washable markers! HoweePup is made of non-toxic odorless plastic and comes in all sorts of bright colors. It's clearly perfect for a kid's gift but I kind of want one to use as an alternative white board in my entryway. How cool would that be?