GoodyBlog

Cute Throw Pillows for Kids

What do you get when modern kids décor meets function? A totally cool reversible throw pillow, that's what! These brand new designs from Boodalee could just be the answer to bedding boredom. Tired of the robot motif? Just flip the pillow over for a fresh look. Check out all of the styles here.

Organization Inspiration

I haven't done any spring cleaning yet (I always find something more fun to do instead...imagine that!). But I'm getting inspired thanks to Pottery Barn Teen, of all places. They've got some surprisingly sophisticated and pretty organization tools, like these sunburst canvas bins. I'm loving their dry-erase bins too. They'd be perfect for helping little kids learn to clean up: It'll be easier for them to figure out where their things belong if you draw a picture of whatever type of toy is stored inside.

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.

Let's Talk Light Bulbs

I have tried replacing my old energy-sucking light bulbs with those virtuous spiral-y compact fluorescent ones, but every time I do it, I hate hate HATE the cold blue light that they emit. And then I put my old light bulbs back in. And then I feel guilty, because compact fluorescents really do save a ton of energy. And then I discovered n:Vision by Home Depot, which come pretty darn close to casting that warm light we're all so used to. You can see them in action at Home Depot—you've got a choice between soft light, bright light and daylight versions. Seriously, even if you're a skeptic, give them a try. And let me know what you think.

Cut and Paste: Adorable Art Collages

    

    

One of my favorite blogs, Bloesom Kids posted about these sweet collages by Lorena Siminovich at PetitCollage. They are created in a limited edition of 50, yet no two are ever alike.  She uses found, recycled and vintage papers in her work--you may find Japanese architectural drawings from the fifties next to a sliver of a school map from Costa Rica.

Yes, they are a bit pricey at $140 a pop, but if you enter promo code "springspring" at the checkout, you will receive $20 off. (According to Bloesom Kids, this expires on April 18th, so act fast!) And if you don't want to shell out the dough, perhaps they will inspire a little craft project of your own.

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.)

Spankin' New Headlines

No child support? No hunting! A new program in Illinois encourages dads to pay up. Chicago Tribune

Why being pregnant makes you want to renovate. New York Times

A new study looks at the long-term health consequences of premature birth. Yahoo! News

Pregnancy discrimination complaints are on the rise. Wall Street Journal

Scary trend: Parents sign their kids up for human “cockfighting.” New York Daily News

How does it feel to be a pregnant man?  Advocate

Original photo via

A Fun Fridge

Refrigerators have long been home base for colorful magnets, kids' artwork, and family photos. But the new Amana Jot Refrigerator is taking fridge function up a notch. It has a dry-erase surface that you can write and rewrite on, which makes it an ideal place to organize your family. Use it to write after-school reminders, shopping lists, love notes and more. (And your kids will love playing tic-tac-toe and drawing cute pictures on it too.)

Shopping Alert! babyGap Goes Home

Get ready to swoon over even more chic baby gear: babyGap Home is coming soon! According to their Web site, you'll soon be able to buy Gap-brand strollers, car seats, bedding, and more. Look for the line to debut sometime in April in select stores (go here for the list); if there isn't one near you, sign up for an e-mail alert when the goods go online. Sadly, there are no product images yet, but if the collection is as cute as these metallic baby sandals, we're sold.