Thursday, July 26, 2007
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
It was designed by Jessica Troiano.
Wall colors:
Peony - Benjamin Moore
Peaceful Breeze #982 - Benjamin Moore
"The cranberry, the scarlet, the peony, the bright pinks, etc....added to the depth and fun quality of the room. If they had all "matched" exactly, I don't think it would have come out as nicely as it did." JTroiano
For the original article: Piccolini Nursery Tour
Monday, July 23, 2007
Friday, July 20, 2007
Memories of Sears
While on a search for something else, I came across a Craigslist ad advertising this bedroom set.
My parents bought me the same one from Sears in 1972!
I LOVED this set. My parents even bought me white carpet with gold flecks (hey...it was the 70s) to match!
My only disappointment is that they would not buy me the canopy bed ("you might hang yoursel by accident" - hello? WTF?) or the vanity table ("what for? You are only 6...you do not wear makeup & mommy fixes your hair!").
This STILL sits in my room at my parents' house. I went through a lot of the drawers while I was there a few weeks ago and boy...there sure are a lot of memories in there.
Sears circa 1972
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Nursery Floorplans
Romina Revisited
I am still liking them despite not having actually seen them.
Unfortunately, they are not yet available locally. The closest distributor is in Washington State. The crib & any furniture would have to be drop-shipped. Khanda, from USA Baby in Tukwila, WA, was kind enough to take photos of the Romina pieces they have on-site.
This is Nerva in dark cherry.
Nerva with the Violini line furniture.
Nerva in ebony.
The Grand Baby Station in antique white.
The grand baby station in dark cherry.
The 6-drawer chest
Here's the really bad part.
The price.
It's $1100.00.
Yes. Eleven hundred dollars. For the crib & the conversion kit (rails). Which wouldn't be so bad if I could convince DH that $1100 for a crib that would go from crib to toddler bed to full-size bed as a good investment.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Photographers Galore
...Audrey's blog
-The Session Experience
$125.00
Photographer time and talent only
Up to four people
Additional $15 per person
All sessions are on location using natural light and usually last between one and two hours.
Outdoor sessions will be scheduled early morning or late afternoon when lighting conditions are ideal.
Comfort is key when choosing wardrobe. Choose tops that are free of bold stripes, patterns, or logos. Fun accessories are encouraged. For group portraits, choose simple lines and neutral colors that match, but do not need to be identical.
For locations more than 25 miles from encinitas, a reasonable travel fee will be applied.
-Pricing
A la carte print prices
8 wallets $8
4X6 $5
5X7 $8
8X10 / 8X12 $15
11X14 $20
12X18 $25
16X20 $50
20X30 $85
Custom storyboards and cards (i.e. birth announcements, holiday cards) are available. Please inquire for details.
Marlo Yoshimoto
Monday, July 16, 2007
Photographers
Session Fee$150 for up to four people in the San Diego area.There is an additional $20 extra for each additional person.I'm not sure if it's my love of children or my instinctive need to feed my
creative spirit that sparked my interest in photography. As a mother, I am
always striving to find ways to document my children as they are, right now. Any
parent can attest that childhood passes too quickly. It's the small details that
make for so much joy in those years, but over time, those details can become
fuzzy.You all have stories about your child's quirks; how your son refuses to
wear anything but his Halloween costume, even though it's the middle of
December, or how your daughter sucks her middle fingers when she's sleepy. These
are the things I want to capture for you. This is the stuff of life!I aim to keep my sessions relaxed and natural. You will never hear me ask your child to
"cheese" or perform for the camera. I use only natural light, and will conduct
your session in your favorite setting. The only props I will use are the ones
you provide...a favorite teddy bear, the family pet, an heirloom chair. I will
interact with your child so as to bring out their true personality. I want to
capture more than just what they look like, but who they truly are at that
particular moment in time. Your session will last anywere from 45 min-3
hours. Once you reserve your date, I will mail out a packet of information that
will hopfeully answer any questions you may have about your session. Due to the
immense time requirements that custom portraiture requires, only an exclusive
number of clients are taken on per year, and the calendar fills quickly. Please
call today to book your session and guarantee a spot for 2006.
The weekend session fee, or the fee for sessions outside of San Diego County (i.e. North County, South County, etc.) please add $50.
Session fee covers Molly's time and talent only.
Within one week of your session, session fee payment is due. Fifty percent of the session fee is non-refundable should you decide to cancel.
Portraits
Desk Portraits
5x7 and under.....$35
8x10....$50
Heirloom Wall Portraits
11x14...$80
16x20...$150
20x24...$200
All images 8x10 and larger will be mounted and laminated for preservation. Fine art canvas prints are also available.
Ingrid Kaslik
SESSION FEESI am a mother of three boys. Parenting has taught me a world of patience and has
made me realize how quickly children grow and change. My firstborn went from
being a curly headed infant to a young man in the blink of an eye. Every moment
is important. Photography is a way to document those changes and growths.I began my career as a wedding and sports photographer in 1992. This taught me to
be quick on my feet and with my shutter. You only get a second to capture a
moment, then it is gone. I have recently branched out into maternity and
newborn photography. My biggest regret was never having my own maternity
portraits done. Three pregnancies and not one maternity photo to look back on. I
am making up for it by creating keepsakes for my clients.Photographing newborns is always a treat for me. Babies come into this world full of
personality. You get a tiny glimpse of their family traits - mom's beauty, dad's
strength... it's all there. They are an amazing combintation of two families
rolled into one beautiful baby. We make the history, our children carry on our
legacy.Don't let your memories slip away. Let me capture them for you. I
specialize in both studio and location shoots. I am also available for event and
sports photography by appointment.
Weekend sessions are $250 and weekday sessions are $150 for up to 4 people*. Sessions are done on location, in your home, or in my studio. This session fee covers shooting time and artistic digital processing of each individual image. Sessions can run between 1-2 hours, so please plan your time accordingly. Wardrobe changes are welcome. For newborn shoots, I encourage moms to nurse/feed their babies up until the time I arrive. We can work around your baby's schedule, so there's no need to rush the shoot. I encourage you to take feeding and diaper breaks in between.
PRINT RATES
$10 for Wallets (4)
$15 for 5x7
$25 for 8x10
$35 for 11x14
$55 for 16x20
San Diego Family Photography
Sessions
Midweek... $159
Weekend...$175
Newborn...$175
Each custom session lasts approximately ninety minutes, and takes place on location throughout San Diego or North County. Travel fees may apply. Newborns portraits are mainly taken indoors and extra time is allowed for the comfort of the baby and new parents.
Little Prints
4x6......$18
5x7......$25
8x10....$30*
*For albums, not bound to mat board.
Wall Prints
8x10....$35
11x14..$55
10x20 Storyboard... $80
Wall Prints are lustre coated and bound to mat board. Canvas prints available, inquire for pricing.
CD & 5x7 Print Package
Personal printing rights, images from your sessionsaved as 11x14s (some difference in sizing may occur to maintain the artistry of the image) at 300 dpiTen images on CD... $299+tax
Twenty images... $475+tax
Thirty images...$600+tax
All selected images printed as 5x7s and included with CD.
Just Hatched Photography
Email for session prices
Deb Schwedhelm Photography
session fees start at $250
deb schwedhelm photography offers a wide variety of print options including enlarged fine art wall prints, gallery wrap canvases, handmade leather keepsake albums and custom designed keepsake coffee table books.
please note that deb schwedhelm is booking approximately 6-8 weeks in advance.
for detailed pricing and additional session information, please email deb@debsphotographs.com or call 858.270.2117.
Barefoot Memories
Platinum Package
Includes:
-Sitting fee with private online gallery
-One stunning 16x20 Gallery Wrapped Fine Art canvas (no substitutions).
Your canvas will arrive ready-to-hang and will be a stunning showcase in your home!
-All final images on CD with NO COPYRIGHT RESTRICTIONS! Images are full-size and highest quality. Print as many as you like, email them, resize them, edit them, scrapbook them, they're YOURS!
Price:Tuesday - Thursday: $575.00 ($533.64+tax)
Friday, Saturday, or Sunday: $675.00 ($626.45+tax) single family only
A $100 deposit is required to confirm your reservation, and will be deducted from the package price (balance is due the day of your session).
Leslie Berg Photography
Portraiture Sittng $350
Includes up to 3 children photographed and family portraits, if desired. Proofs on CD-Rom
Wallet $24
3.5x5 $29
4x6 $38
5x7 $45
8x10 $63
11x14 $87
16x20 $179
Captured By Carrie
LOCAL SESSION ... $300.00
Fallbrook area, studio or outdoor.
ON-LOCATION SESSION (northern San Diego) ... $400.00
North county San Diego, 30 miles travel included.
PREMIUM SESSION (all San Diego and Orange County) ... $500.00
This session is for locations further than 30 miles away in San Diego and Orange County.
Weekend sessions are only available through Premium Sessions. Please inquire about available dates.
Please inquire about travel to the Los Angeles area. All sessions may last up to 3 hours. 25-35 images will be presented in an on-line gallery.
WALL PORTRAITS
11x14, 12x12 ... $125.00
10x20 ... $150.00
16x20 ... $225.00
20x24 ... $400.00
WRAPPED FINE ART CANVAS
Your portrait on fine art canvas, wrapped around a 2" thick wooden frame. Ready to hang! Many other sizes available, including square.
16x20 ... $570.00
20x24 ... $780.00
30x36 ... $1,080.00
DESK PORTRAITS***
5x7 ... $55.00
8x10, 8x12 ... $75.00
*** These rates are available when you purchase either either the BOOK or ALBUM, or over $1,000 in wall portraits.
DESK PORTRAITS Ala Carte
5x7 ... $70.00
8x10, 8x12 ... $90.00
All prints 8x10 and up are sprayed with lustre coating and mounted on mat board for beauty and print longevity. Custom sizes are available and will be priced at the next largest standard sized print.
KEEPSAKE ALBUM ... $1100.00
All images from your session, in white-bordered 5x7 format, displayed in an exquisite, hand made leather album.
KEEPSAKE COFFEE TABLE BOOK ... $1300.00
All images from your session laid out in an appealing manner with optional text. Pages are thick, printed on a high quality press and bound into a hard, high gloss, photo imprinted cover with a photo jacket. A complete conversation piece!
GIFT PRINTS ... $100.00 Each box contains (25) 4x6 prints of the same image.
Michelle Ehler's Photography
I have a passion, an obsession some might say, forCD & Print Package $450
photography. I am fortunate to have turned my life-long hobby into a
professional career. I love to capture a moment in time, and save it to be
treasured for a lifetime.I use the beauty of the outdoors as my backdrops, and
have scouted many locations throughout San Diego, finding some beautiful and
unique areas to photograph. I enjoy shooting both candid and posed images. When
shooting candid images, I use perfected timing and quiet observation. Some of
the best images are captured when subjects are unaware they are being
photographed. In order to create a natural looking image when shooting posed
images, the photographer must possess a demeanor that allows subjects to become
relaxed and feel comfortable. I have perfected this talent by combining the
experience of years of work both behind the camera as a photographer, and in
front of the camera as a model.I pride myself on working exceptionally well with
children. In addition to being a photographer, I am the mother of two young
boys. I love to capture the true nature and personality of children and
babies.Photography is much more than just picture taking. It is about capturing
moments in time, and preserving memories for our children, our families, and for
future generations. It keeps memories close at hand, and close at heart.
•••
Includes a CD with all images in full resolution (option to purchase additional CD for $20 with all photos scaled down for web/email viewing and sharing).
This package includes the following prints:
2 8x10s
4 5x7s
20 4x6s
With this package, you are able to choose which prints you would like in color or black and white.
CD Package $350
••
Our most popular package!Includes a CD with all images in full resolution (option to purchase additional CD for $20 with all photos scaled down for web/email viewing and sharing).
Print Package $250
•••
This package includes the following prints:
1 5x7.
Additional prints available for purchase; please see print prices below.
With this package, you are able to choose which prints you would like in color or black and white.
Mom's Group Specials - For mom's groups interested in doing a photo shoot at a great group rate. Presented as a mini-shoot, this is a great way to get quality photos at a great price. Options include photos of moms with their children, children by themselves, and/or siblings together. This would be a wonderful gift for dad! Please call or email for more information.
Print Services:
••••••••
32 billfolds (11/4" x 13/4") - must be of same image: $14
8 wallets (21/2" x 31/2") - must be of same image: $16
48 wallets (21/2" x 31/2") - must be of same image: $48
4 x 6: $6
5 x 7: $10
8 x 10: $18
11 x 14: $30
12 x 18: $36
Innovative Stroller Design?
Touted as "a refreshing take on the classic stroller", the Wiegen stroller designed by Worrel designer Dan Clements, is, well, different.
Research for this stroller was taken from first-time parents so perhaps that is why the design is so wonky (no offense, first time parents).
I haven't been able to find much information other than what is already on other blogs so what I have here is pieced together from Pan-Dan, SwissMiss and Worrell's website.
The Wiegen (German for "cradle") has a unique "stretcher system". It consists of 2 parts: the neoprene shroud and the baby sling with five-point harness.
Baby is cushioned in body-shape-adapting stretcher/cradle. This stretcher is suitable from approximately birth to 12 months.
The shrouds are vibrant neoprene in lime, red and charcoal and apparently interchangeable.
I have no idea how babies actually sit in the Wiegen but it would be interesting to find out!
A unique stroller for sure...I love the idea of being able to have interchangeable shrouds that can also be removed for cleaning.
But the whole innovative design? I don't really know how practical it is as it does not seem to convert to a traditional stroller. No cupholders (an American must!) and no basket of any sort.
I would feel that a toddler would forever be trying to get out rather than sitting "sunken" in this mini-tub. The little tyke on the right looks like he wants out!
Mini-tub, hmm...I got it! Now I know what this reminds me of! It looks like an old wash tub gone modern.
I think this one might just be a little too innovative for me.
If anyone gets the 411 on the Wiegen, please let me know!
The designer talks about his design in this video: Wiegen/Worrell Stories. Check out Wiegen's FlipBook (PDF).
Time to Cook
If Bugaboo is the Porsche of strollers, then this Limited Edition sling by Oopa is the Rolls-Royce of slings.
Fashioned from ivory silk shantung accented in creamy duchess satin silk with black jacquard and trimmed with black velvet, this dramatic sling is perfect for those formal occasions where you must take darling baby Olivia or baby Milo.
It rings in at a hefty $298.
This simpler Oopa sling illustrates how the Oopa drapes in such a way that it can easily conceal breast-feeding baby. If necessary, the "tail" can also be draped for additional privacy. At $119, it's among the lower priced
slings from Oopa.
While I love the look and feel of silk/silk shantung, I don't appreciate how easily silk frays, nubs and runs.
Fortunately, Oopa also makes slings in a more practical chambray. Oopa marries hearty denim chambray with silver duchess satin silk in this striking sling:
While perhaps not as sumptuous as the full-on creamy silk above, it's $169 price tag is a bit more palatable. This is my pick for something elegant yet durable.
In The Pocket Baby
Oovoo - $200
Studio Cherie - $21 for changing pad; $178 diaper bag
Sweetness Products
Stroller Obsession
MUTSY - just because I've been eyeing this line for about 3 yrs now. It JUST arrived in the US from Netherlands. It comes with the bassinet & seat. Pricing at about $700.
BEBECAR - because I love this brand! Bebecar comes by way of Portugal and has just entered the US market. I actually already have a Bebecar but since we are talking in terms of "if money were no object...", I'd buy the Stylo AT pictured below. I love that Bebecar (& Mutsy) rides higher than most stroller brands. Retails for about $600 not including bassinett ($175).
Baby-Planet - this is the new kid on the block amongst the umbrella strollers. It was conceived in Chicago and is manufactured in China. According to reviews out there, it's a very high quality stroller line with lots of features normally attributed to pricier brands. This retails for about $259.
Perhaps the BIGGEST draw for me to Baby Planet is their recycle program:
We at Baby Planet are very concerned with current state of the environment and the continued overcrowding of landfills by discarded consumer products. In an effort to reverse this negative trend we would like to help you recycle your stroller.
In the near future you will be able to come to this web site and download a shipping label that will allow you to ship your old Baby Planet stroller back to us "Free of Charge".
Once returned, if we can squeeze a little more life out of your stroller, we'll clean it up, make it road worthy and donate it to a charity in need of children's products. If we decide its better days are now behind it, we will disassemble your stroller, so we can send the parts to a recycling center. Once disassembled, the metal, fabric and plastic of your old stroller is 100% recyclable.
All we ask is that if you no longer have the original box, you locate a new one to assist with shipping. We will recycle that too!
At Baby Planet we are doing our part to save the world that surrounds your baby.
In addition to the pretty as icecream "Solo Deluxe" model above, Baby Planet will be rolling at the "Universal Max Pro" - a universal car seat carrier. Looks somewhat like the Stokke Explory.
This model sells for about $199.
Baby's Dream
I've been intrigued with Baby's Dream cribs because of their piano hinge drop (as shown in the 2nd pic below).
I had always thought height was an issue for Mark because of his wheelchair but having played around with the various cribs, it seems that height is an issue for me as well.
To that end, the Kathryn model was the best height - shorter than other models. However, I'm not too crazy about the style:
Baby's Dream is coming out with a new design in Summer 07 (yay...just in time for my next cycle! - how's that for optimism?).
It's called OCEAN and described as such:
Ocean's classic modern is what we've all been looking for - clean lined but not too edgy, and chic but not too extreme. Curved frames on all side posts elegantly veer away creating a look pleasing to the eye. Baby's Dream innovative design allows you to convert the crib to a toddler bed and later to a twin-sized bed, using the channeled side panels and twin conversion kit. This collection is handcrafted with a multi-step lacquer finish and available in rich Espresso or high-gloss Glacier white.It has a certain Asian essence (in Cinnamon), don't you think?
Baby's Crib - ROMINA
What drew me to this particular style, Nerva, was the cribs graceful lines. They remind me of the curves of a grand piano.
It was no surprise then that the Violini line takes its inspiration from the shape of a violin.
Below is Nerva which converts into a toddler bed & full-size bed.
We plan on introducing Romina in your area as well at the end of 2007, beginning of 2008 but until then, since the USA Baby in Tukwila, Seattle is the closest one I recommend you to get in touch with them regarding pricing and shipping rates, I am confident that they will be happy to assist you.