gear for the {budget mama}

Posted on October 4, 2011 by cara

Picking out the right gear and accessories for your little bundle-to-be can be quite the daunting task. This week we’ve set out to help get you started, picking a few fabulous must-have items perfect for your lifestyle.

Whether you are a {budget mama}, a {green mama}, a {fashionista mama} or (more than likely) a combination, we hope these ideas will get your registry and shopping list rolling making preparing for your little love a whole lot easier.

Today we visit our first mama lifestyle, the {budget mama}…

Being a budget mama doesn’t mean you want to sacrifice design style and function for price. Also – it’s important to get the VALUE out of each piece you choose to buy. Just because it’s cheap, doesn’t mean it’s a good value. That said, here are a few of my favorite finds for mamas on a budget with lots of style savvy to spare!

1. Joovy Scooter Stroller ($159.99) check out the double version here. 2. Aden + Anais bamboo swaddling blankets 3-pk ($39.95). 3. Sleepy Wrap Baby Carrier ($48.24) all organic & cheaper than a Moby wrap! 4. Carter’s Bodysuits Multi-packs (from $20.79) *you can often find these on sale. 5. Circo Washcloths 6-pk ($4.99) 6. Crane Drop Humidifier ($49.99) *available in LOTS of colors. 7. Storkcraft ‘Sheffield’ Crib + mattress ($137).

Things to Borrow: Bumbo, Jumper, Swing, Bassinet

Things to Skip/Use what you have: Tummy Time Mat, Towels, Highchair, Bottle Warmer, Changing Table, Diaper Bag *more on the diaper bag later!

Nursery Decor: Borrow/Thrift/Re-Purpose. While there may be select items or details you choose to purchase new, many items of even the most stylish and put-together nursery don’t need to be brand new to make a great statement!

Coming later this week: more gear staples for the {green mama}, the {fashionista mama} and more. 

Follow us on twitter @BellaBambiniNW

Posted in baby gear, lines we love | Tagged , | 3 Comments

{under $600} skateboarding bulldog + a yellow submarine

Posted on October 3, 2011 by cara

There is plenty of whimsy and just enough silliness in this room to inspire a lifetime of playful imagination. Seriously, where else can you combine a skateboarding bulldog, nesting robots, and a yellow submarine in one place?

Also – don’t forget that this is also a room on a budget, the final edition in our series from last week of fabulous nurseries for under $600!

shelves, Target ($26.99). accessories, IKEA ($39.99), UO ($29.00), robots ($18), wall decal ($29.00). curtain, Yellow Submarine ($19.50). rocker, Cradle Chair ($142). crib sheet, ‘Sprinkes’ ($13.50). rugs, Shag Rug ($29.99) & ‘Bonjour’ ($19.00). crib + mattress, Storkcraft ‘Sheffield’ ($137).

Grand TOTAL: $503.97

Coming later this week: Are you a budget mama? A fashionista mama? A green mama? Or some combination? We’ll take a look at several lifestyles and show you a few of our favorite baby product picks for each one!

 

Posted in design file, nursery inspiration, under $600 | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

{under $600} craigslist + thonet + pop art

Posted on September 30, 2011 by cara

A daunting task to say the least,  combining a classic Thonet rocker + bold pop art + a crystal chandelier in any room is a tall order; do it for $600 or less in a nursery and it may seem that you’ve achieved a near impossibility (from a budget standpoint alone)!

Well – it’s true. The find of a lifetime. I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw this beautiful Thonet rocker on Craigslist for a bargain – only $70 – and snatched it up as quickly as I could!!! Finding such a wonderful piece with such an affordable price tag inspired a renewed faith in the value of thrifting, garage sales, and digging through the attics and storage of family & friends for the perfect piece (at the right price) to complete a beautiful room.

I love balancing beautiful vintage pieces with bold, modern design and did just that by combining my amazing craigslist buy with this bright piece of pop art via IKEA!

curtains, Tuxedo Ruffle in white ($34.99). lighting, Tier Cascade Chandelier ($58). artwork, PJÄTTERYD ($49.99). accessories, pink Bunny Hook ($3.99/ea). Basket Weave Pillow ($24.99). chair, vintage Thonet Rocker ($70, craigslist.org). rug, LUDDE sheepskin ($39.99). bedding, fabrics from spoonflower.com. one & two.($27/yd for organic cotton sateen). crib, GULLIVER ($129).

Grand TOTAL: $526.93

Luxe fabric for custom bedding, a beautiful antique rocker, and plenty of sweet & funky details for a one-of-a-kind room perfect to grow from baby to rambunctious, sweet little girl.

Coming soon: the last of this weeks’ {under $600} nursery inspiration; including everything from robots to skateboarding bulldogs + a mustache!

Posted in design file, nursery inspiration, under $600 | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

{under $600} color-blocked & whimsical

Posted on September 28, 2011 by cara

Continuing our week of creative nursery inspiration on a budget of $600 or less, today we combined lots of bold color with whimsical details resulting in a room perfect for baby (and parents) with a whole lot of BIG personality!

curtain, IKEA ($12.99). artwork, IKEA ($10). lighting, UO ‘Antique’ Floor Lamp ($119). bedding, ‘Sprinkles’ fitted crib sheet ($13.50). rug, KOLDBY Cowhide ($199). crib, GULLIVER ($99). mobile, Flendsted ‘Swallows’ ($28.90). chair, Mini Mitt ($109).

Grand TOTAL: $591.39

There you have it, another round of {nursery inspiration} on a budget of $600 or less! Coming later this week: a room featuring a beautiful Thonet Rocker (seriously, so excited about this find!) + a darling room in shades of grey.

Posted in design file, nursery inspiration, under $600 | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

{under $600} black & white & bold pattern all over

Posted on September 27, 2011 by cara

In case you missed yesterday’s post, this week we are celebrating fabulous design style on any budget – meaning each great inspiration board featured this week will include all elements for a total of $600 or less.

Today’s inspiration takes black, white, bold colors and graphic patterns to create a space that is fun and funky with a modern twist and has a lot of energy without being overwhelming. Not to mention, the contrast and patterns are wonderful for baby’s developing senses + it’s gender-neutral!

Curtains, Fabric from IKEA ($7.99/yd). Lighting, Vintage Style Floor Lamp ($119). Artwork, B&W Organ Print ($44). Rocker, Vinnie Cradle Chair ($99). Bedding, ‘Sprinkles’ Crib Set ($99). Rug, Grey & White Chevron ($39). Pillows, Sequin Swirl ($32) & Velvet Pintuck ($32). Crib, GULLIVER in white ($99).

Grand TOTAL: $595

If you missed yesterday’s Vintage-Travel inspired room, check it out here and stay tuned later this week for more design style on a budget!
Click To Vote For Us @ the Top Baby Blogs Directory! The most popular baby blogs

Posted in design file, nursery inspiration, under $600 | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

{nursery inspiration} vintage-travel under $600

Posted on September 26, 2011 by cara

The only thing that makes beautiful spaces even more beautiful, is when you can create it on a budget without sacrificing all of the luxe details you love. This week (ALL week long) we’ll be revisiting my favorite challenge, nurseries for under $600!

Today’s look combines a vintage-feminine vibe with some travel-inspired details. I took a little trip over to one of my favorite web resources (the Urban Outfitters sale page) and found nearly all of the accessories for the room in one place! Add a vintage etsy piece + some pretty fabric for custom crib sheets and we’re all set. Take a look and see what you think…

curtains, Black & White Ruffle ($79.99). lighting, 3-D Faux Chandelier ($39). artwork, Map Print ($39). Framed Paris Map ($39.99). chair, vintage from Etsy ($60). rug, Flotaki ($59.99). bedding, fabric from Spoonflower.com ($18/yd). crib + mattress, Storkcraft ‘Sheffield’ ($137). accessories, Pintuck Floor Pillow ($39.99). Hand Mirror Hook ($6.99).

Grand Total: $538

All week we’ll be featuring rooms for under $600, so check back soon for more budget-friendly inspiration!

Posted in design file, nursery inspiration, under $600 | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

introducing… {h&m home}

Posted on September 20, 2011 by cara

Back in 2008, rumors of H&M for Home swirled and when it finally made it’s appearance it was only to a select few European countries. Well, you can pack up your dissappointment and start getting excited because according to ISBN Magazine, H&M will be officially launching their home collection in the US Spring 2012!

With a total of four collections per year, each collection features several distinct looks to shop from. A few from the current collection available from H&M Great Brittan include ‘Bohemian Vintage’ (above), ‘Authentic Autumn’, & ‘Soft Simplicity’ (below).

With no specific dates (or locations) for the launch as of yet, we will be keeping you posted as soon as we hear any more whispers around the web of this exciting new development in home decor. Move over, IKEA… there’s a new Swedish design power coming to town!

 

Posted in design file, lines we love, rave reviews | Leave a comment