Platform Beds... Still Confused

Really, I just do not understand all of the rage for platform beds these days.  Why?  Who would really want one.  They are less expensive (most of the time) because you are not required to have a box spring, but is there a reason you want to be low to the ground?  Perhaps, it would be good for an adolescent, but when you become of age and are ready to play house...still?  Yes, you can opt to have the dresser drawer option underneath of the mattress which solves the height issue.  That style would make sense to me, a nice way to stow and go.  But aside from the stylish and space-saving option under the platform, I still just do not get platform beds for adults.  Ew.

I'd be happy to entertain opinions as to why platform beds are a benefit.  Maybe you can change my mind and I'll go buy one.  I am in the market for a new bedroom set.  Any rebels?

~Angela O'

DIY Baby Bumpers

Did you know that in some states traditional bumper pads are actually illegal to sell due to their lack of air flow babies get?

There are two alternatives:

1.  Mesh bumper pads that allow air to flow (but are kinda ugly)

2.  Wonder Bumpers (that cost usually over $300 to fit an entire crib)

The cards have been dealt and my friend's project has been completed and ready to share with the world!!  

Homemade Customized Wonder Bumpers for less than $95!!!

Thanks to my dear friend and guest on this blog Tracy Cook, you will now know how to make your own stylish baby bumpers!

Materials Needed:

• 3/4 inch Self Adhesive Foam Tubular Pipe Insulation
• Thicker Cotton Fabric or Felt (Choose one or two designs)
• Coordinating Ribbon or Lace
• Scissors
• Measuring Tape
• Hot Glue Gun (Don't worry...it is on the inside so baby can't get to it)

Step 1: Gather the materials.

Step 2: Measure the tubular foam.   Here we have shown 16 inches which is the half size for a standard crib.  Half size bumpers were convenient for this mommy because she did not want the bumpers to be too close to Finleigh when she needed to drop the crib into a big-girl bed.  However, you may choose to have your crib bumpers at full length of 32 inches for the 32 inch rails.  It is simply personal choice.

Step 3: Cut down the tubular foam to your specified size.  Remember 16 inches or 32 inches.  Whichever is best for you and your baby.

Step 4: You should end up with a pile like this.

Step 5:  Cut the fabric to the diameter of the tube.  Begin by putting the fabric on one side of the slot but be sure to leave some excess at the end.   Remove the adhesive film.  Wrap it around the foam, tucking the fabric edges into the open slot down the center of the tube.  The fabric should adhere to the adhesive.  Once done you may cut the fabric to the length of the tube leaving about one inch to one and a half inches of spare fabric at each end.

Step 6: It should look like this when you are done.  

Step 7:  Now take one fabric covered tube and place it on the crib rail.  Have your hot glue gun heated and ready to go.  Next you will need to add some hot glue to the inner portion of the tube where the excess fabric is located, then tuck the fabric ends inside.  Yes you will be doing it while the covered tube is on the crib.  This seals the bumper and prevents the fabric from fraying.  Take care to not get the excess glue on the crib rails.  Repeat this step to seal off the opposite end of the bumper.   Once complete with this one rail, repeat step 6 for each of the crib rails.  IF you have chosen to use two different fabrics then take the first fabric and do every other rail like below.  Then follow by adding the second fabric to the remaining rails.  **Note the glue should be on the inside so that the baby cannot access it**

Step 8:  Once complete tie ribbon to the tops of the bumpers.  The bow ends should be on the outside of the crib rails so the baby does not pull them.  TaDa!  Beautifully done.  See how mommy Tracy used the two different fabrics in a coordinating way?  Pink solid with a white and pink print.

The Linen Closet

Time has finely come for us to purge all of our towels and washcloths from our college days and twenties.

A mish mosh I absolutely hate includes one red joe boxer washcloth, a few cartoon and superhero cloths, and a cute little coral cloth with red hibiscus I made for all my bridesmaids.

Lord knows I can't stand it when certain things in my home aren't exactly how I foresee them. However, this one project I could never justify the necessity to change. At least not until this year. We had moved so many times and a couple of those moves were cross country. We rarely had overnight guests in our apartment and we are young with no children. So really why spend those extra funds on nice towels when it was only John and I? Don't get me wrong, I have a four nice thick and textured neutral colored towel sets that I keep on reserve for special occasions. They only come out when we have dinner guests, party guests, etc.

But now that it is time I am finding it hard to determine where to get our new towels. I need help ecspecially when sticking to some criteria. 1. They need to be an investment. Once these are purchased they better live through all my expectations. I do not want to replace them for a minimum of ten years. They had better not fray from wash or use. 2. They need to be thick and cushy. We need comfort. 3. I want a full set that matches from wash cloths and facial clothes to extra large bath towels and hair towels. 4. I need a large set in an even number. I expect all my dishes to be on twelves for entertaining and on some occasions in eights. I do not expect anything less from my towels. 5. I'm not opposed to colors but my all time classic favorites are sands and whites. It needs to maintain the classic through the test of time. 6. Since it appears that I will be buying at between 32 and 48 linens I need to get them at a spectacular price point.

So where is the heck do I buy all these requirements rolled into one at a decent price? I'm willing to hunt in upscale department stores like Neiman Marcus down to mass warehouse stores like Costco. Just as long as each requirement is fulfilled.

So I ask for your advice on where to find these towels and your guidance on a good price.