Baby Furniture Plus Kids: Blog Blog https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 14:12:13 GMT urn:store:1:blog:post:40 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/battle-of-the-lightweight-infant-carriers-nuna-pipa-aire-versus-uppa-aire Battle of the Lightweight Infant Carriers - Nuna Pipa Aire versus Uppa Aire <p>The past few years have seen a large number of changes in the carseat industry, and we are expecting a few more in the next year. &nbsp;Federal standards and policies on carseats have changed quite a bit of what we are seeing on the market and what we expect to see, and all of these changes are TO THE BENIFIT OF THE CONSUMER because you will find some new technology as well as new testing that is going to provide parents with more peace of mind and safety features at their fingertips.</p> <p>The battleground where the biggest campaign on infant carseats is being waged is in "lightweight" and "featherweight" infant buckets. &nbsp;Previously this category was held tightly with very little competition by Nuna and their Pipa Light &amp; Pipa Light LX products. &nbsp;New regulations mandated that all carseats that ship with a carseat base must be able to be installed without the base. &nbsp;This new regulation meant that Nuna needed to redesign their 'Lite' product. &nbsp;Their redesign is now available as the <a href="pipa-aire">Pipa Aire</a> &amp; Pipa Aire RX both new for 2024 (we will be comparing the <a href="pipa-aire">Pipa Aire</a> in this article). &nbsp;Uppa baby, purveyors of great strollers had, until this year, only offered the Mesa family of infant carseats, that are know for their ease of installation but quite heavy and cumbersome in comparison to the ultra light products from Nuna. &nbsp;This <a href="aria">March Uppa unveiled the Aria</a>, which by weight is going to be the lowest weighing carseat on the US market as of now.</p> <p><em>Both of these seats price out at $350</em> including the base. Both seats have their pros and cons and both merit some hands on from consumers to make sure you are getting the best fit for your family.</p> <h2>Install with the Lightweight Infant Carseats:</h2> <p>This is our single most important qualification on carseats. &nbsp;If it is likely to be installed correctly in the real world applications by parents and grandparents then it is more likely to protect the child in an accident and is more favorable to our staff for that very reason. &nbsp;Things that are cumbersome, difficult, problematic, or confusing on the install are going to likely not be installed correctly and for that reason less likely to be protective. &nbsp;Because safety is the goal, the ease of a consistent and CORRECT install ranks high with our staff and usually with our customers as well. &nbsp;We have found that the <a href="pipa-aire">Nuna Pipa Aire</a> wins in this category with their rigid latch install this is a very quick and straight forward install (they receive high customer satisfaction marks on how easy this install is). &nbsp;The install on the<a href="aria"> Uppa Aira </a>is a bit more complicated with the ratcheting latch clips it is easier than most, however this seat is very upright in the base and there is a narrow window for the proper recline of the seat to meet recommendations. &nbsp;Changing the angle of the seat recline is accomplished with release of the foot pedestal in the base and we have had to make several adjustments during installation to get this right. Additionally, the manufacturer indicates that use in the vehicle when traveling requires a specific position of the carry handle which is not the natural position of the handle when carrying the infant bucket. &nbsp;This requirement to reposition the handle when in the car is likely to not be adhered to by families that are unaware of the requirement. We feel that with respect to the installation that the <a href="pipa-aire">Nuna Pipa Aire</a> is more likely to be installed correctly by more people because the install is quite a bit less cumbersome. &nbsp;We do need to note that there are a handful of vehicles (some BMWs and some other cars with deep bucket seats) that this pipa base presents a problem accessing the latch points due to the design of those vehicles latch position. &nbsp;The solution for those vehicles is the RELX base from Nuna which ships with the more expensive AIRE RX seat or to purchase the RELX base for the vehicles that need arises.</p> <p>The Last component of installation is securing your child in the seat. &nbsp;This similar for both seats in that both feature 5 point harnesses. &nbsp;<a href="aria">The Aria by Uppa </a>has a no rethread harness so on the fly adjustments of the head support and shoulder harness position is very easy in this product. &nbsp;The Aria has a few inserts that come out as the child grows: there is a lower insert comes out at 9 pounds and a back-positioning insert intended to help with keeping an open airway by positioning the shoulders forward and allowing the head to tilt back to encourage the open airway and reduce the potential of head tilt (this is recommended to remain in use up through 4 months and "Child is not slouching and has good head and neck control". &nbsp; The Pipa Aire has a single insert intended for children under the weight of 12 pounds. &nbsp;There is no back positioning insert in the Nuna Pipa Aire because the seat operates in a more reclined position when installed in the vehicle.</p> <h2>Lightweight Carrying:</h2> <p>Both seats present a very light infant carrying bucket compared to most infant seat on the market. &nbsp;Side by side out of the box the <a href="aria">Aria by Uppa</a> is less weight by some ounces. &nbsp;Both seats have carry handles that are ergonomic for most carrying activities.</p> <h2>Travel System Use</h2> <p>Both the Aria by Uppa Baby and the <a href="pipa-aire">Pipa Aire by Nuna</a> are going to function exceptionally well in travel system setups that are WITHIN the brand, by this we mean if you have an Uppa Stroller the Uppa Carseat will relatively simple to use and no special adaptors will be necessary (The same for Nuna Carseats with Nuna Strollers). &nbsp;Where we see a significant difference in options is in “cross platform” product use. &nbsp;The Nuna Aire carseat utilizes a Maxi-Cosi type of connection for strollers (one of the most common connections world wide) and because this type of connection it is supported by many more stroller manufacturers than the connection for the Uppa Baby carseats, you will find that utilizing the Pipa Aire on a stroller that is not Nuna is going to be much easier that accommodating a Uppa Carseat on a ‘non-uppa” stroller.</p> <h2>The big takeaway on the Lightweight Infant Carseat Battle:</h2> <ul> <li>You should ALWAYS READ YOUR CARSEAT MANUAL</li> <li>If you are not sure about your installation visit a professional (public safety officer or car seat check location)</li> <li>The Uppa Aira requires a bit more diligence and time in proper installation and has a few quirks that you need to be aware of while in use (like handle position) and multiple inserts but both&nbsp;<a href="aria"> Uppa Aria </a>and <a href="pipa-aire">Pipa Aire</a> are going to provide great protection for your child in an accident as long as installed correctly</li> <li>The<a href="pipa-aire"> Nuna Pipa Aire </a>is compatible with a larger number of strollers sold in the US than the <a href="aria">Uppa Aria</a></li> </ul> <h3>Baby Furntiure Plus Kids offers free shipping nationwide on carseats and local customers can get assistance in installation and live demos at our Columbia South Carolina Location</h3> <h2>Browse and Shop these Seats:</h2> <div id="true_three_across_image_tab"><a href="aira"><img src="/images/uploaded/uppa aria_1000.jpeg" alt="Uppa Baby Aria Carseat Link" width="1000" height="666" /></a> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="aira">Uppa Baby Aria Lightweight Carseat</a></p> </div> <div id="true_three_across_image_tab"><a href="pipa-aire"><img src="/images/uploaded/nuna pipa aire_1000.jpeg" alt="Nuna Pipa Aire Carseat Link" width="1000" height="666" /></a> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="pipa-aire">Nuna Pipa Aire Lightweight Carseat</a></p> </div> urn:store:1:blog:post:39 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/infant-car-seat-load-leg-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-important Infant Car Seat Load Leg: What Is It and Why Is It Important? <p>As a parent, there is nothing more important than the safety of your child. And when it comes to car safety, choosing the right infant car seat is crucial. One feature that you may have heard about is the load leg, also known as a stability leg. In this blog post, we will explain what a load leg is and why it is important for your child's safety.</p> <h2>What is a Load Leg?</h2> <p>A load leg is a feature that can be found on some infant car seats. It is a metal or plastic bar that extends from the base of the car seat to the floor of the vehicle. The load leg is designed to provide additional stability and support in the event of a crash.</p> <h2>How Does a Load Leg Work?</h2> <p>When a car is in a crash, the force of the impact is transferred through the car seat and to the floor of the vehicle. The load leg helps to distribute this force more evenly, reducing the risk of injury to your child. It also helps to prevent the car seat from rotating or tipping over in the event of a crash.</p> <h2>Why is a Load Leg Important?</h2> <p>The load leg is an important safety feature that can provide additional protection for your child in the event of a crash. In fact, studies have shown that car seats with a load leg can reduce the risk of injury by up to 50%.</p> <p>Additionally, a load leg can help to reduce the risk of head and neck injuries, which are some of the most common injuries sustained in a car crash. This is because the load leg helps to keep the car seat in place, preventing it from tipping or rotating and causing your child's head to jolt forward.</p> <p>When it comes to infant car seats, safety should always be your top priority. While a load leg may not be a feature that you have considered before, it is one that can provide additional protection for your child in the event of a crash. If you are in the market for a new infant car seat, consider choosing one with a load leg for added peace of mind.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:38 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/our-covid19-response-updates-babies-dont-wait Our Covid19 Response Updates - Babies Don't Wait <p>We recoginize a new baby on the way is nerve wracking and scary, yet we are now facing constricted movement and are bombarded with informationabout this global health crisis (Covid19).  We are here for you and will all we can to help navigate this as your partner and resource in this crisis. <br /><br />Below are current opperational details which are likely to change - we will keep this updated as often as possible</p> <h2>Hours of Opperation (UPDATE 5.19.2020):</h2> <ul> <li>We are returning to normal opperating Hours this Friday 5.22 and will be open Memorial Day as well</li> <li>All back-room processes (shipping and receiving and order status checks will continue as normal)  </li> <li>Pick up or delivery outside our opperating hours please <a href="sms://+18038161357">Text Us </a> at 803-816-1357 and we will be at the store in10-15 minutes.</li> <li>We are offering private showroom access by appointment afterhours - call (803) 788-5880 for appointment</li> </ul> <h2>Shipping and Pickups</h2> <ul> <li>Currently there have been no changes to our outbound freight and UPS services - orders will be processed as normal and ship ASAP - any online order will be shipped immediately or we will contact you if there is expected delay within 24 hours</li> <li>We always have and will continue to offer Curbside pickup during normal business hours</li> </ul> <h2>Registry</h2> <ul> <li>Our registry program is website integrated and is still active</li> <li>We offer a guided registry option - we can get you set up without you coming in the store and preload our top registry products - contact us for assistance</li> </ul> <h2>Carseat Installation / Training</h2> <ul> <li>We will continue to offere installation and training on all of our carseat products </li> <li>Available during normal business hours or afterhours with appointment - call (803) 788-5880 for afterhours options</li> </ul> <h2>Contact Options:</h2> <ul> <li>Telephone: (803) 788-5880 - monitored during normal business hours - voice mail left afterhours will be addressed as quickly as possible</li> <li><a href="sms://+18038161357">Text Us </a> at 803-816-1357 - monitored during normal business hours - some afterhours monitoring</li> <li><a href="contactus">Email </a>- Some Afterhours responses</li> </ul> <h2>Purchasing and Financing Options:</h2> <p>Tought times and tight pocketbooks call for alternatives.</p> <ul> <li>Financing - we have in store financing option for 12 Months no interest with approved account</li> <li>Layaway - small deposit gets your order placed or product held for you up to 3 months.  Stock items get full refund if you change your mind and no finance charges ever - perfect way to get you new nursery reserved in advance of your actual needing it set up</li> <li>Check our our instore doorbusters</li> <li>We offere alternative payment methods for people that don't want to transact over the phone when requested.</li> </ul> urn:store:1:blog:post:37 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/private-showroom-by-appointment-social-distancing-and-shopping-bfpk Private Showroom by Appointment - Social Distancing and Shopping BFPK <p>New babies don't wait for global health crisises and we know your concerns over public spaces, so we have begun opening up our showroom for private access to our knowledgable team and hands on product exploration.  We are currently offering private access to our showroom by appointment during afterhours.  If you are concerned about crowds and public exposure during this time of "Social Distancing" please call us to setup private access to our showroom and staff.  </p> <ul> <li> <h3>WHAT - private afterhours access to our showroom and staff</h3> </li> <li> <h3>WHEN - by appointment only</h3> </li> <li> <h3>HOW - call (803) 788-5880 to set up appointment (limited to availability)</h3> </li> </ul> urn:store:1:blog:post:36 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/mid-year-floor-sample-sale Mid-Year Floor Sample Sale <p><em><strong>All of our mid-year introductions are arriving and we are making room Instore for new products- we cannot ship floor samples.  We do not guarantee these products will remain available.  First come First Served (803) 788-5880</strong></em></p> <h2> </h2> <h2>Sadie Glider + Ottoman Ivory</h2> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/images/uploaded/ProdImage.jpg" alt="SADIE GLIDER OTTOMAN LINEN" width="300" height="300" /></p> <ul> <li>Glider + stationary ottoman that matches</li> <li>Ivory/Cream Linen Fabric</li> <li> <h1>$599 on sale $479.99</h1> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;"> </div> <hr /> <h2> </h2> <h2>Silva Edison White - Floor Sample Package</h2> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/images/uploaded/edison white.jpg" alt="edison white floor samples" width="300" /></p> <ul> <li>Incredible solid Beech Wood crib.  Awesome self-closing drawer glides on dresser</li> <li>Crib + Double Dresser and Changing tray box</li> <li>Bright White finish</li> <li> <h1>$1,985 on sale $1,191 - <span style="color: #ff0000;">SOLD</span></h1> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;"> </div> <hr /> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2>Sadie Glider + Ottoman - Light Gray</h2> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/images/uploaded/0029012_M18587FTLG_e1425.jpeg" alt="SADIE GLIDER AND OTTOMAN GRAY LINEN" width="300" height="300" /></p> <ul> <li>Glider + stationary ottoman that matches</li> <li>Light Gray Linen Fabric</li> <li> <h1>$599 on sale $479.99</h1> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;"> </div> <hr /> <h2>Trinity Belgium Cream Package</h2> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/images/uploaded/trinity white fab panel crib.jpg" alt="trinity white fabric top crib packages" width="300" /></p> <ul> <li>Flat top crib with fabric panel back that can be changed to suit your needs</li> <li>Crib + Dresser</li> <li>creamy white distressed finish</li> <li> <h1>$1,349.98 on sale $799.99</h1> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;"> </div> <hr /> <h2>Trinity Gray Package - Floor Samples</h2> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/images/uploaded/trinity gray.jpg" alt="trinity gray curve crib packages" width="300" /></p> <ul> <li>Curve top crib </li> <li>Double Dresser</li> <li>Hutch/Bookcase for Dresser</li> <li>Chest</li> <li>Nightstand</li> <li>warm gray finish</li> <li> <h1>$2,798.96 on sale $1259.53</h1> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;"> </div> <hr /> <h2>Silva Serena Flint Room - Dream Package</h2> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/images/uploaded/serena gray group.jpg" alt="serena flint package" width="300" /></p> <ul> <li>Solid beechwood crib in medium gray washed finish</li> <li>dressers from Europe with self-close drawer glides</li> <li>Crib + Dresser + Hutch + Nightstand</li> <li>French Roast Finish</li> <li> <h1>$2,780 on sale $1,529</h1> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;"> </div> <hr /> urn:store:1:blog:post:35 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/floor-sample-glider-sale-2018 Floor Sample Glider Sale - 2018 <p>It is that time of year...... we ordered tons of new gliders and recliners for the comming year and have to make room, that means 40%-70% OFF many of our current Floor Models!&nbsp; <em><strong>Instore only purchases - we cannot ship floor samples.&nbsp; We do not guarantee these products will remain available.&nbsp; First come First Served</strong></em></p> <h2>Basel Recliner Glider</h2> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/floor sample gliders/BASEL.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></p> <ul> <li>Recliner Glider from Storytime Series</li> <li>Ivory fabric with Grey Contrast welt</li> <li> <h1>$770 on sale <strong>40% OFF - $462</strong></h1> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2>Montreal Recliner Glider</h2> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/floor sample gliders/BEST M RECLINER.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></p> <ul> <li>Recliner Glider from Storytime Series</li> <li>Seafoam Turquoise fabric with Ivory Contrast welt</li> <li> <h1>$740 on sale <strong>40% OFF - $444</strong></h1> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2>Denver/Tryp Recliner Glider</h2> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/floor sample gliders/DENVER TRYP.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></p> <ul> <li>Recliner Glider from Storytime Series</li> <li>Grey fabric with Charcoal Contrast welt</li> <li> <h1>SOLD</h1> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2>Devonshire Glider &amp; Ottoman</h2> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/floor sample gliders/DEVONSHIRE BIRCH.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></p> <ul> <li>Glider and Ottoman from Storytime Series</li> <li>Birch textured fabric (light grey/natural)</li> <li> <h1>SOLD</h1> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2>Devonshire Glider &amp; Ottoman</h2> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/floor sample gliders/DEVONSHIRE PINK.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></p> <ul> <li>Glider and ottoman from Storytime Series</li> <li>very light pink with grey contrast welt</li> <li> <h1>SOLD</h1> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2>Ella&nbsp;Glider</h2> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/floor sample gliders/FOUR SEASONS 2.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></p> <ul> <li>Slipcovered Glider with DOWN fill from&nbsp;Four Seasons</li> <li>Ivory soft fabric with turquoise contrast welt</li> <li> <h1>$1,071 on sale <strong>65% OFF - $374.85</strong></h1> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2>Aiden Glider</h2> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/floor sample gliders/FOUR SEASONS AIDEN.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></p> <ul> <li>Oversized Slipcovered Down Filled glider from Four Seasons</li> <li>Ivory &amp; Natural Damask slipcover</li> <li> <h1>SOLD</h1> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2>Liza Glider</h2> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/floor sample gliders/FOUR SEASONS GREEN.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></p> <ul> <li>Oversized Slipcovered Non Down Filled glider from Four Seasons</li> <li>Green and Ivory diamond pattern</li> <li> <h1>$1,116 on sale&nbsp;<strong>65% OFF - $390.60</strong></h1> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2>Kylee Glider and Ottoman</h2> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/floor sample gliders/FOUR SEASONS PAISLEY.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></p> <ul> <li>Oversized Slipcovered Down Filled glider from Four Seasons with gliding Ottoman</li> <li>Modern paisley floral linen fabric</li> <li> <h1>$1,746.00 on sale&nbsp;70<strong>% OFF - $523.80</strong></h1> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2>Ella Glider</h2> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/floor sample gliders/FOUR SEASONS.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></p> <ul> <li>Slipcovered Non Down Filled glider from Four Seasons</li> <li>Grey and Ivory pattern on amazing linen fabric</li> <li> <h1>$1,314 on sale&nbsp;<strong>65% OFF - $459.90</strong></h1> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2>Okee Recliner Glider</h2> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/floor sample gliders/RED RECLINER.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></p> <ul> <li>Recliner Glider from Storytime Series</li> <li>Durable Cherry Red microfiber</li> <li> <h1>$590 on sale 50<strong>% OFF - $295</strong></h1> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2>Rome Glider</h2> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/floor sample gliders/ROME.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></p> <ul> <li>Oversized Glider from Storytime Series</li> <li>Light Ivory fabric with Navy Contrast Welt</li> <li> <h1>$640 on sale 40<strong>% OFF - $384</strong></h1> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2>Poku Recliner Glider</h2> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/floor sample gliders/TAKA NAVY.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></p> <ul> <li>Recliner Glider from Storytime Series</li> <li>Durable&nbsp;Navy microfiber</li> <li> <h1>$610 on sale 50<strong>% OFF - $305</strong></h1> </li> </ul> urn:store:1:blog:post:34 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/lemon-blueberry-sugar-cookies Lemon Blueberry Sugar Cookies <p>I am completely adicted to sugar cookies - I cannot turn them down but am often dissapointed in texture and flavor of anything mass produced and many home recipies.&nbsp; My favorite set of cooks and chefs over at America's Test Kitchen produced a great sugar cookie recipe with just the right texture and loaded with subtle flavors in their magazine&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cooksillustrated.com/recipes/3446-brown-sugar-cookies" target="_blank">Cooks Illustrated</a>.&nbsp; For something a bit different I took their basic recipe and added the bright flavor of lemon and sweet blueberries for a summery flavored sugar cookie that we devour at our store and home.</p> <p><em>Yields 18-24 cookies</em></p> <ul> <li>2 1/4 cups + 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour</li> <li>1 teaspoon baking powder</li> <li>1/2 teaspoon baking soda</li> <li>1/2 teaspoon salt</li> <li>Zest from one lemon (about 1 tablespoon) - divided</li> <li>1 1/2 cups granulated sugar PLUS additional 1/2 cup for rolling</li> <li>2 ounces cream cheese - room temprature</li> <li>6 tablespoons unsalted butter (I prefer&nbsp;the amazing&nbsp;<a href="http://plugra.com/products/" target="_blank">Plugra brand butter</a>, which is a European Style but actually made in the USA.)</li> <li>1/2 cup vegetable oil</li> <li>1 large egg</li> <li>1 tablespoon whole milk</li> <li>2 teaspoons vanilla extract</li> <li>1 teaspoon lemon extract</li> <li>1 4 ounce package dried blueberries - coarse chop</li> </ul> <p>Preheat oven to 350 degrees and put rack on top position. I bake on partchment paper always!</p> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/cooking/lemon blueberry sugar/lemon blueberry sugar squish.jpg" alt="bfpk lemon blueberry sugar cookies" width="300" /></p> <ul> <li>Wisk flour, baking powder, baking soda &amp; salt in medium bowl</li> <li>In small shallow bowl&nbsp;mix 1/2 of the lemon zest with 1/2 cup sugar - mix thouroughly and break up lumps - you will have mix this several times because the moisture in the zest causes clumping - might want to place in warmer part of kitchen to help evaporate the moisture a bit.</li> <li>In large mixing bowl combine remaining lemon zest, cream cheese and sugar. Mix thouroughly but dont worry if it is lumpy.</li> <li>Add melted butter to sugar/cream cheese mix and combine until smooth.&nbsp; Add vegatable oil, egg, milk and both extracts to this and stir thoroughly with each addition until a smooth even texture.</li> <li>Add chopped dried blueberries and flour mixture to batter.&nbsp; Mix gently until combined and no dry flour remains.</li> <li>take 1/4 cup portions of the batter and form smooth ball, roll in sugar/lemon zest mixture and place on partchment lined cooking sheet approximately 2 to 2 1/2 inches apart.&nbsp; I get about 9 cookies per sheet.</li> <li>Using flat bottomed glass or measuring cup press ball down until about 1/4 inch thick</li> <li>Dust tops of cookies with more sugar/zest mixture lightly</li> <li>Bake 11 13 minutes at 350 Degrees.&nbsp; Cookies should look dry at edges and only slightly darker at edges - you DON'Twant to over bake to brown crispy.</li> <li>Let Cool on parchment paper (on cookie sheet or off) cooling on the partchment retains lots of the moisture - once mostly cooled (15-20 minutes move to wire rack to finish.</li> <li>Store airtight container - flavors meld overnight and are even better 2 and 3 days later</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="resizePhotoWrapper"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/cooking/lemon blueberry sugar/lemon blueberry sugar final.jpg" alt="" width="1000" /></div> urn:store:1:blog:post:33 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/straight-talk-carseat-covers Straight Talk : Carseat Covers <p>It is Hot.&nbsp; Not just a little .... but mind draining body beating hard to breath kind of hot this year.&nbsp; If you think this heat takes your breath away and wears you out, just think how that little metabolic engine know as your new infant feels out and about in this heat.<br /><br />Babies all tend to run a bit warmer that the adults that care for them.&nbsp; The are just little engines that are burning food, building bone &amp; muscle and all that metabolic energy gives off heat! We tend to think that we need to protect our little ones and dress them up, often over-dressing for the weather.&nbsp; Given the extreem heat in the south (and throughout the country this year) you should be extra careful to dress down your little one.&nbsp; Lightweight fabrics and minimal clothing should be the go to so your little metabolic engine is as comfortable as possible.&nbsp; Dressing down the little one will help them when facing the 90 degree plus weather we can expect for the next few months.&nbsp; Many many parents know this and do a great job of keeping the little ones comfortable in their home, but then venture outside and make some choices that are less wise.</p> <p>As any parent can tell you, random strangers are often suprisingly familiar with little babies.&nbsp; Most new parents are shocked how many people just walk up to your new infant child and start touching without asking.&nbsp; It is for this reason that the car-seat cover has become an important part of the parent's 'out with baby arsenal'&nbsp; Parents often use a cover over their carseat to function as both protection from sun and wind as well as strangers that want to reach into the carseat carrier and give the baby a little squeeze.&nbsp; Carseat covers and carseat canopies are great products but have some draw backs as well.</p> <div id="true_three_across_image_tab"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/carseat covers/1479497530_246-Lrg.jpg" alt="stretch knit carseat cover" width="600" height="382" /> <p style="text-align: center;">enclosed stretch knit carseat cover</p> </div> <div id="true_three_across_image_tab"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/carseat covers/1483547847_solomon-canopy-lrg.jpg" alt="minky blanket type carseat cover" width="600" height="382" /> <p style="text-align: center;">fuzzy minky blanket carseat cover</p> </div> <p>Most carseat covers are just blankets of some type that have been sewn to neatly wrap around or over an infant carrier type of carseat.&nbsp; They come in a myriad of styles and types.&nbsp; A majority of the most popular carseat covers are made of a stretch knit fabric that wraps around the entire seat, leaving the baby protected and the handle free for carrying.&nbsp; The problem with stetch knit is it is just not that breathable.&nbsp; The inside of the carseat and the baby therein can start to overheat.&nbsp; Recently there have been more and more warnings from health and safety professionals about <a href="https://www.today.com/parents/seeking-stroller-shade-why-covering-blanket-can-be-dangerous-baby-t101059" target="_blank">taking care wit respect to blankets and covers on carseats and strollers in the hot summer months</a>.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>The solution is Muslin:</h2> <p>Muslin.&nbsp; Yes the lightweight open weave fabric that is all the rage in the baby industry is probably the best answer to how to cover the carseat.&nbsp; This fabric is super breathable since is is so thin lightly woven <img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/carseat covers/IMG_3691.JPG" alt="swaddle blanket as carseat cover" width="300" />together.&nbsp; Muslin is slightly tigher weave than cheesecloth but not much and allows supieror breathability.&nbsp; It is the fabric of choice in swaddling blankets for this very reason.&nbsp; Because it is so breathable it allows the heat to flow out quickly and not build up inside a swaddled baby as well as in a carseat if using as cover.&nbsp; Muslin swaddle blankets are extreemly popular and pretty much everybody receives a few for the baby shower.&nbsp; Muslin swaddling blankets can range from a few dollars to twenty-five dollars or more depending on brand and style, with most popular designer brands less than $20.&nbsp;</p> <p>At a minimum grab a lightweight muslin swaddling blanket and toss it over the carseat or stroller when out and about in this heat and leave the stretch knit or minky covers at home.&nbsp;</p> <h2>Our Favorite Carseat Covers:</h2> <p>By far our favorite (and only product we sell in this category) are the <a href="carseat-canopies-covers">dedicated muslin carseat covers from Little Unicorn</a>.&nbsp; They are single layer of super breathable 100% cotton muslin that is sewn to function as a carseat cover.&nbsp; They have an elastic band sewn at the bottom to fit around the carseat and snaps at the top to attach to the carrier handle.... but the best part is that they have a magnetic closure so you can open them up without removing the entire cover to check on the baby.&nbsp; Eventhough a simple muslin swaddling blanket will work as a good breathable carseat cover, these dedicated products do provide a fitted and easy to function approach.&nbsp; &nbsp;All the lovely fashion doesnt hurt either.</p> <div id="true_three_across_image_tab"><a href="carseat-canopies-covers"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/carseat covers/fairy garden main.jpg" alt="little unicorn muslin carseat cover" width="600" height="600" /></a> <p style="text-align: center;">Little Unicorn Carseat Cover</p> </div> <div id="true_three_across_image_tab"><a href="carseat-canopies-covers"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/carseat covers/fairy garden opening.jpg" alt="muslin carseat cover with magnetic window opening" width="600" height="600" /></a> <p style="text-align: center;">magnetic peek-a-boo window in muslin cover</p> </div> <div id="true_three_across_image_tab"><a href="carseat-canopies-covers"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/carseat covers/blue windflower lifestyle 2.jpg" alt="lightweight muslin carseat cover with magnetic window" width="600" height="600" /></a> <p style="text-align: center;">magnetic peek-a-boo window in muslin cover</p> </div> urn:store:1:blog:post:32 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/nuna-pipa-variations-explained Nuna Pipa Variations – Explained. <p>We will be updating this near the end of 2023 - there have been some new seats as well as some older products have now left the mix.<br /><br />We think the infant carseat is one of the most important purchases you will make during your first year of child rearing.&nbsp; We have discussed carseats in general here: <a href="straight-talk-car-seats" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“Straight Talk about Carseats”.</a></p> <p>The stunning Nuna Pipa infant carseat has become the infant carrier carseat of choice throughout the United States in the last few years and there are actually now three different versions of this car seat. For many consumers the differences are confusing, so we want to help by explaining the three seats and their independent features.</p> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/defining pipa charactersistics - Copy 1.png" alt="defining characteristics of nuna pipa car seat" width="250" /></p> <h2>Nuna Pipa Car Seat – the original revolution</h2> <p>The Nuna Pipa Infant Car Seat was released a few years ago and was a revolutionary piece of safety equipment because it combined several safety features found on other products into this single seat.&nbsp; This essentially created one of the safest seats on the market. Specifically, the Nuna Pipa incorporated both a rigid latch installation with a load leg (both of which were not in widespread use) into a single seat; blowing away the competition. By adding additional features like the <a href="https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/business/certifications_and_services/ots_100/ots_100_start.xhtml" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Okeo-Tex textiles (for a certified clean fabric component)</a>, the ‘Dream Drape’, and out of the box compatibility with a range of strollers the original launch of The Nuna Pipa was a revolution.</p> <h2>Nuna Pipa Lite Car Seat</h2> <p>We have detailed the launch of this seat with our review, <a href="pipa-lite" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“New PIPA Lite by Nuna - the 5 pound wonder!”</a>. The major take away on this product versus the Nuna Pipa is that the weight of the carrier has been reduced a whopping 2 pounds without sacrificing the safety or aesthetically pleasing nature of the seat. Additionally a complete second seat liner in an&nbsp;<a href="http://www.global-standard.org/the-standard/general-description.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GOTS certified organic cotton</a> is included with this seat.</p> <p>The one caveat to mention is that the standout cost to this innovation was the removal of the seatbelt pathway on the carrier portion of the seat. On the Pipa (original) there is a belt path on the carrier allowing the car seat to be installed without the base for emergency situations and for use in public transportation (Uber, Cabs, airplanes, etc) so you do not have to carry the heavy carseat base with you. For most families this is a non-issue because they are not utilizing public transportation on a regular or occasional basis (or plan not to during the first year of this new baby’s life). If, in fact, you utilize public transport on a regular basis it might not be the right fit seat for you.</p> <p>Lastly, noticeably absent on the Pipa Lite is the presence of the Dream Drape that so many families love for the breathable sun protection.&nbsp; We recommend&nbsp;<a href="carseat-accessories#/manFilters=5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">these breathable muslin magnetic closure car-seat canopies from Little Unicorn</a> as a replacement for the ‘Dream-Drape-less’ Pipa Lite.</p> <h2>Nuna Pipa Lite LX Carseat</h2> <p>The last and most fantastic of the three versions is called LX (for Lux). This overall function and construction of the seat is the same as the Pipa Lite (rigid latch, load leg, 5 pound carrier) However there are two distinct additions to provide that LUX moniker. First, the DREAM DRAPE makes it’s reappearance adding that coveted built-in canopy extension, beloved by most consumers. Second, and more important to many people, is the use of Merino Wool as the seat fabric. Wool is naturally cooling in warm weather and provides some warmth in those cool months. Wool is also one of the few natural fibers that boasts an inherent flame retardant property.</p> <h2>How do I choose which Nuna Pipa is right for my family?</h2> <p>We have a series of questions that can help:</p> <ol> <li><strong>Do you use or plan to use public transportation more than rarely over the next year?</strong> - if you answer that you use local public transportation (Uber, Taxies, Ride Sharing) on a weekly basis OR if you plan on Airline Travel with your child multiple times in the next year – We recommend sticking with the Original Nuna Pipa</li> <li><strong>Do you or any primary care persons have severe back, shoulder or neck injuries/limitations that will be affected by lifting a carseat?</strong> – if the answer is yes, we recommend one of the Nuna Pipa Lite or Lite LX</li> <li><strong>Are you a proponent of Organic and Natural fiber usage as an exclusive approach to your lifestyle?</strong> – if yes then we recommend the Nuna Pipa Lite LX</li> </ol> <h3><a href="infant-carseats#/manFilters=3">Browse and Shop&nbsp;all NUNA PIPA Car Seats</a></h3> urn:store:1:blog:post:31 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/chewy-cherry-pecan-chocolate-chip-cookies Chewy Cherry Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies <p>As you most likely know I am a huge fan of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cooksillustrated.com/" target="_blank">Cooks Illustrated</a> and when looking for a base recipe for chocolate chip cookies I found their chewy chocolate chip cookies to be a great launching point for these loaded melt in your mouth goodies.</p> <p>A few points of interest: Melting the butter before mixing with sugar helps these remain chewy and I consider this a must! Also the strange approach to forming the cookie by pulling apart a rounded ball and reassembling as a craggy topped sphere seems a bit weird but creates such a nice appearance of a artisan looking cookie I just had to include it as well.</p> <p>A note on ingredients: butter butter butter &ndash; use a European style butter &ndash; not land o lakes or some no name American brand. There is higher proportion of butter fat in the European style butters and creates a nice smooth taste. I use unsalted and you should too. I am not a fan of the Irish brand, Kerrygold, because it has a bit too much fat and turns these cookies a bit greasy. My butter of choice is the amazing <a href="http://plugra.com/products/" target="_blank">Plugra brand butter</a>, which is a European Style but actually made in the USA. It has the perfect flavor and just the right amount of fat. Delicious! I am using dried&nbsp;<a href="http://www.choosecherries.com/tart-cherries-101/" target="_blank">Montmorency Cherries</a> that are just a bit tart but rich in cherry flavor (I like this brand <a href="http://www.publix.com/pd/stoneridge-orchards-cherries-montmorency/RIO-PCI-178868" target="_blank">from Publix</a>). These can be purchased at local grocery and my chocolate chip of choice is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ghirardelli.com/chocolate-and-gifts/baking/baking-chips/dark-chocolate-60-cacao-baking-chips-(10-oz)-61274" target="_blank">Ghiradelli 60% Bittersweet Chip</a> (these are large chips and just the right amount of bittersweet to combat this sugary batter)</p> <h3>Ingredients:</h3> <ul> <li>&frac34; cup pecans (whole or pieces)</li> <li>12 tablespoons UNSALTED butter</li> <li>2 1/8 Cup all purpose flour</li> <li>&frac12; teaspoon salt</li> <li>&frac12; teaspoon baking soda</li> <li>1 cup dark brown sugar</li> <li>&frac12; cup white sugar</li> <li>1 large egg PLUS 1 large egg yolk</li> <li>2 &frac12; teaspoons vanilla</li> <li>1 5 oz bag dried Montmorency Cherries</li> <li>1 10 oz bag Ghiradelli 60% Bittersweet Chocolate Chips</li> </ul> <h3>Directions:</h3> <ol> <li>Heat oven to 250 degrees, place pecans on baking sheet (I recommend using some parchment paper as well) Roast pecans for 30-40 minutes until fragrant. Remove and let cool. Chop medium (pencil eraser size). <em>Roasting brings out a buttery and rich toffee flavor to pecans.</em></li> <li>Increase oven temp to 325 Degrees</li> <li>Melt (gently) the butter in microwave or on stove top &ndash; do not over heat because it will pop and or burn. Does not need to be melted to the point of separating&hellip; just melted.</li> <li>While butter is melting and cooling down: measure out flour, salt and baking soda into small bowl and whisk well to combine. Measure out two sugars into large mixing bowl. Mix melted butter into sugars and stir to combine, continue stirring until lumps are removed. You might see a bit of separation of the butter fat from the sugar mixture (this will be resolved with&hellip;. Add the whole egg and 1 egg yolk to sugar/butter mixture. Mix well until a uniform creamy mixture is formed and egg is completely incorporated. Add vanilla and mix until completely incorporated.</li> <li>Add flour to sugar/butter/egg and mix UNTIL JUST BARELY incorporated &ndash; you do not want to over mix &ndash; it causes the cookies to be tough (you only want to mix until the flour streaks disappear). Add chocolate chips, dried cherries and chopped pecans. Mix gently until thoroughly dispersed (again you are not whipping these together&hellip;. Just gentle mixing with a wooden spoon)</li> <li>Forming cookies &ndash; this was a bit weird to me but is so pleasing in the result I recommend doing this. Using &frac14; cup handfuls (more than a golf ball and less than those little tangerines that are all the rage right now &ndash; you can measure with a cup the first couple of times if that helps). Round the dough into a sphere. Take the sphere and break it in half and then reform a new round ball by squishing the two halves&rsquo; back together so rough torn part is on top (see photos). Place sphere craggy side up on parchment lined cookie sheet. I can get about 9 on a sheet spreading them out well. (you will need to cook two sheets worth from this recipe &ndash; approx. 18 cookies <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <div id="three_across_image_tab"> <p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/cooking/chocolate chip cherry/cherry choc chip 1 smooth ball of dough.jpg" alt="Form a smooth round ball of dough" width="600" height="600" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>form smooth ball of dough</strong></em></p> </div> <div id="three_across_image_tab"> <p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/cooking/chocolate chip cherry/cherry choc chip 2 split up ball of dough.jpg" alt="split apart ball of dough" width="600" height="600" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>split apart ball of dough</strong></em></p> </div> <div id="three_across_image_tab"> <p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/cooking/chocolate chip cherry/cherry choc chip 3 reformed.jpg" alt="reform dough ball with craggy top" width="600" height="600" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>reform ball with craggy top</strong></em></p> </div> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> </li> <li>Bake at 325 degrees for 13-15 minutes &ndash; cookies should look just a bit under done in the center. Remove from oven and cool ON THE COOKIE SHEET &ndash; do not use a cooling wire rack &ndash; cooling on the sheet helps keep them moist and chewy.</li> <li>Store in airtight container once completely cooled or gobble them up when they have cooled to room temp!</li> </ol> <div class="resizePhotoWrapper"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/cooking/chocolate chip cherry/chery choc 2.jpg" alt="Cherry Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies" width="1200" /></div> urn:store:1:blog:post:30 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/bourbon-creamsicle-caramels Bourbon Creamsicle Caramels <p>Last weekend I was feeling a bit adventurous with the cookies and decided to go on a quest for the perfect salted caramel chocolate chunk cookie (which unfortunately is still in development.&nbsp; In my approach I though I would grab some grocery store caramels as the soft melting center of my cookie, so I bough a bag.&nbsp; I opened one (of the 30 or so in the bag) took a &nbsp;bite and all I thought was “this is caramel flavored wax”… yuck.&nbsp; So my cookie quest became a bit grander…. now I had to figure out homemade caramels.&nbsp;</p> <p>Well google is replete with recipes and looking over them all they seemed to be highly similar in approach.&nbsp; The basic recipe seems to have been handed down from a handful of grandmothers and now inhabits all corners of the internet.&nbsp; <a href="https://meaningfuleats.com/soft-buttery-homemade-caramels/">One recipe from Meaningful Eats</a>&nbsp;even has this photo of the grandmother’s recipe card.&nbsp; &nbsp;All the recipes follow this basic approach with some substitutions here and there.</p> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/cooking/caramels/grandmas caramel recipe.jpg" alt="" width="400" />I made up a big batch at 10pm and suffered through the hour long stirring.&nbsp; Poured them out and then hit the hay.&nbsp; The next morning, I rushed to the fridge, cut off a huge chunk and did a little taste test.&nbsp;&nbsp; Soft rich buttery and delicious (not a hint of wax to be found). After my first batch and the fact that they disappeared off the counter at an alarming rate, I decided to play around with this recipe and expand the flavors a bit.&nbsp; I love butter rum flavor and bourbon seems to the perfect partner for the caramel so I knew I was going to use bourbon in the recipe.&nbsp; Since there was already some vanilla and the addition of the bourbon would ratchet up that flavor profile a good bit I thought some counter part flavor would need to be added.&nbsp; Naturally with vanilla &amp; bourbon I decided a hint of citrus would expand the taste a good bit and settled on orange.&nbsp; Orange + Vanilla always = Creamsicle in my mind so I gave it a whirl.</p> <p>My batch of these caramels will be at the store this week so feel free to come by for a taste (if they last).</p> <ul> <li>1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter</li> <li>4 cups sugar</li> <li>2 cups light corn syrup</li> <li>2 cans (24oz) evaporated milk (not sweetened condensed)</li> <li>¾ teaspoon table salt</li> <li>¼ cup good quality Bourbon PLUS 2 Tablespoons</li> <li>1 teaspoon vanilla extract</li> <li>2 teaspoons orange extract</li> <li>2 tablespoons fresh zest from a large orange&nbsp;&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p style="padding-left: 60px;"><em>Regarding use of unsalted butter and the salt addition – this is easier to manage the salt content instead of using salted butter – if you use salted butter in this recipe be sure to pull back on the extra salt in the recipe.&nbsp; The temperature of the candy is a bit higher than many of the online recipes because so much liquid is being added after it cooks.</em></p> <div class="resizePhotoWrapper"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/cooking/caramels/caramels orange and bourbon.jpg" alt="" width="1000" /></div> <ol> <li>Prepare a 13x9 inch pan (I use a jellyroll/cake pan) but a glass casserole will work equally well.&nbsp; Butter the pan with a small amount of butter (soft not melted).&nbsp; Lay a sheet of parchment into the pan and be sure it goes up and above all side.&nbsp; Then butter, liberally, the parchment. (buttering the pan allows the parchment paper to stick well and then buttering the parchment paper allows the caramels to be removed easily.&nbsp; DO NOT attempt this without parchment paper.</li> <li>Add butter, sugar, corn syrup, salt and ¼ cup bourbon to a heavy deep sauce pan.&nbsp; Heat on medium to medium high until a soft rolling boil.&nbsp; Stirring constantly.</li> <li>Once mixture is boiling slowly add the 2 cans of evaporated milk with constant stirring.&nbsp; Each can should be added in the smallest quantities to avoid curdling.&nbsp; Each can should take about 10 minutes to add.&nbsp; The cool milk will cause the mixture to stop boiling – soon as this occurs stop adding until the soft gentle boil returns.&nbsp; KEEP STIRRING</li> <li>Continue to cook at a gentle constant boil with constant stirring until mixture reaches 240 degrees on a good quality candy thermometer or a high-quality instant read.&nbsp; It will feel like it takes forever to get from 218 degrees to 228 degrees, but the following 12 degrees will pass quickly so keep a close eye.</li> <li>When caramel reaches 240 degrees REMOVE from heat.&nbsp; Stir in final 2 tablespoons Bourbon, vanilla extract, orange extract and orange zest.&nbsp; Keep stirring this until fully incorporated (about 2 minutes).</li> <li>While still hot pour caramels into the prepared 13x9 pan.&nbsp; Move directly to refrigerator and let cool at least 3 hours (overnight will be best).&nbsp; Remove from pan when cold and cut into thumb sized pieces (probably about 80 pieces depending on how big a thumb you have).&nbsp; Wrap individual candies while still cool in wax paper and share!</li> </ol> urn:store:1:blog:post:29 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/big-kid-quilts-the-baby-blanket-you-have-been-waiting-for "Big Kid Quilts" - the baby blanket you have been waiting for. <p>Recently&nbsp;<a href="little-unicorn">Little Unicorn</a> released their incredible&nbsp;<a href="big-kid-muslin-quilts">"Big Kid Quilts"</a> onto the market, and they are lucious.&nbsp; Everyone at Little Unicorn as well as at our store, though these would be great for 2 and 3 year olds that have outgrown their baby quilt but love the soft muslin blankets they have had for years.&nbsp; Well this is probably true, BUT, all of a sudden we are finding our new moms are&nbsp;<a href="registry-2">electing to register</a> for and purchase these INSTEAD OF and sometimes IN ADDITION TO the crib quilt.&nbsp; The thought process we are hearing from our new and expectant moms is thus:</p> <h3 style="padding-left: 30px;"><em>"I just love the muslin quilts so much and they are kinda small for me AND my baby to snuggle up with.... so for the two of us while we breastfeed or glide in our chair durring our bedtime ritual these just make more sense."</em></h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/FOX LIFESTYLE.jpg" alt="fox big kid quilt lifestyle photo" width="400" />This seems completely legit to us as well.&nbsp; These incredible quilts are available in the 100% cotton muslin or in the ultra silky soft bamboo muslin and measure in at a whopping 60" x 72" (which is more than large enough for mom or dad to use as well).&nbsp; They make incredible throws for the nursery glider or a full bed as well.&nbsp; Breathable muslin is the go-to product these days for babies and young toddlers and these fantastic quits will be your EVERYTHING and your favorite blanket around.</p> <p>The new "big kid quilts" are on display and in stock in our store for your touching pleasure. Weather you need something for your toddler or if, in fact, you are going to be the proverbial 'big kid' in this situation, you will not be dissapointed.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><a href="big-kid-muslin-quilts">Explore the big kid quilts by Little Unicorn</a></h2> urn:store:1:blog:post:28 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/brown-sugar-ginger-cookies-sweet-and-spicy-in-just-the-right-proportion Brown Sugar Ginger Cookies – sweet and spicy in just the right proportion. <p>For the past six or seven weeks I have been spending Friday nights baking up cookies for Saturdays at the store.&nbsp; I’m not sure how it happened that this became a thing, but it did and now it is kind of getting expected to see a platter of homemade cookies sitting on the front counter (at least the staff is starting to expect it)</p> <p>I adore cooking and baking and anything culinary and love messing with traditional recipes and making them my own.&nbsp; A recipe from <a href="https://www.cooksillustrated.com/recipes/3446-brown-sugar-cookies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cooks Illustrated</a>, my favorite cooking gurus, caught my eye a few weeks ago.&nbsp; The “<a href="https://www.cooksillustrated.com/recipes/3446-brown-sugar-cookies">Brown Sugar Cookie</a>” recipe seemed like something I needed in my repertoire mainly because it mentioned and used butter that had been browned on the stove creating that toasted nutty aromatic flavor I LOVE.&nbsp; So I gave it a whirl.&nbsp; The addition of candied ginger seemed like a perfect fit.&nbsp; To ramp up the 'browned butter' flavor I have added extra milk solids to the butter to brown (in the form of powdered milk).&nbsp; This really makes that 'brown butter' flavor front and center.</p> <p>These have been crowd favorites and disappear pretty quickly when I have brought them in.&nbsp; Neither a cakey sweet sugar cookie nor an overly spicy ginger-snap, this cookie falls right in the middle with it’s nutty butter flavor, rich brown sugar caramel undertones and just the right amount of sweet ginger bite.</p> <p><em>Yields 18-24 cookies</em></p> <ul> <li>14 tablespoons unsalted butter</li> <li>2 tablespoons powdered milk</li> <li>2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour</li> <li>½ teaspoon baking soda</li> <li>¼ teaspoon baking powder</li> <li>1 ¾ cups packed dark brown sugar (plus additional ½ cup for rolling)</li> <li>½ teaspoon salt</li> <li>1 large egg plus 1 large yolk</li> <li>1 tablespoon vanilla extract</li> <li>3 Tablespoons candied ginger – coarsely chopped</li> <li>¼ cup granulated sugar</li> </ul> <p>Preheat oven to 350 degrees and put rack on top position.</p> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/cooking/brown sugar ginger cookies/brown sugar ginger rolled.jpg" alt="" width="300" /></p> <ol> <li>Melt 10 tablespoons of the butter in skillet on stovetop. Add 2 Tablespoons powdered milk once melted and before it starts browning.&nbsp; Using medium heat and constant swirling cook butter until it begins to brown.&nbsp; The milk solids in the butter with brown to a caramel color and a nutty aroma is produced.&nbsp; Do not burn the butter and pay close attention.&nbsp; When completely browned pour into large heatproof bowl with the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter.&nbsp; The hot browned butter will melt the un-browned butter.&nbsp; Allow to cool.</li> <li>In medium bowl measure out flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.&nbsp; Wisk these dry ingredients until well mixed.</li> <li>Add brown sugar (1 ¾ cups) to melted butter.&nbsp; Mix thoroughly removing any lumps with wooden spoon.&nbsp; Add egg and egg yolk and vanilla.&nbsp; Mix well, mixture will be uniform and creamy looking.</li> <li>Mix flour mixture and ginger into batter until fully incorporated and uniform.</li> <li>In shallow dish mix ½ cup brown sugar and ¼ cup granulated sugar with a fork to make a uniform lump free mixture for dredging the cookies.</li> <li>Roll golf ball sized portions (approx 1/4 cup) of the dough into uniform ball with your hands, roll in the sugar mixture and place 2 inches apart on PARCHMENT lined baking sheet (you will need two sheets or need to produce in two batches)</li> <li>Bake cookies on top shelf of oven for 12-14 minutes.&nbsp; Cookies will flatten and tops will crack when done.&nbsp; Cool completely on wire rack.&nbsp; (Best when fully cooled and even better the next day when flavor melds).&nbsp; Store (when fully cooled) in airtight container.</li> </ol> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="resizePhotoWrapper"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/cooking/brown sugar ginger cookies/brown sugar ginger baked.jpg" alt="" width="1000" /></div> urn:store:1:blog:post:27 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/straight-talk-in-line-double-strollers Straight Talk - In-line Double strollers <p>Don't be fooled by hype - THERE IS NO PERFECT STROLLER!&nbsp; The main reason for this is that strollers are lifestyle products and every single family has completely different needs.&nbsp; We always find it interesting when someone has decided to buy a product like a stroller because some blogger in Brooklyn New York (who doesnt happen to even own a car and who leaves their stroller parked in their foyer rarely folding or transporting said stroller) thinks it's <strong>the best</strong>.&nbsp; The reality of buying lifesyle products based on recommendations of people who dont match your lifesyle creates a mess of purchases that are unsatisfactory and unfulfilling.&nbsp; Often these purchases get put aside once they start being used for another purchase that more closely matches the needs of the consumer.</p> <h2>The magical 'expandable stroller system'</h2> <p>In the past few years the '<a href="single-to-double-expandables">expandable double</a> stroller system' has taken off as a predominate category in baby gear.&nbsp; &nbsp; These are essentially single strollers that allow for adding a second seat for a future child or direct use for a double stroller for twins.&nbsp; A large number of consumers are choosing to go this route because...</p> <ol> <li>They find themselves pregnant while their first child is still stroller aged</li> <li>They are buying insurance against a future second preganacy close on the heels of the current one.</li> <li>They are having twins.</li> </ol> <p>In the case of the 'insurance policy" we encourage parents to really focus on the use of the stroller system as a single stroller and buy the expandable stroller insurance policy based on the stroller that best fits their needs as a single FIRST.&nbsp; Some things to consider in this case is the ease of folding, storage size and weight, compatibility as a travel system with an infant carseat, and steering&nbsp;&amp; handling as a single.&nbsp; These are often subjective issues for parents (we see parents struggle to fold and lift the smallest of strollers and other families that haul the monster strollers around like it is nothing)&nbsp; Get your HANDS on one and a side by side comparission is often best.</p> <h2>In-Line Double Stroller Configurations</h2> <p>There are so many possible combinations and permutaions of seating, bassinets, carseat adapters, forward facing, rear facing that the charts and diagrams are often multiple pages and make your brain itch trying to figure it all out.&nbsp; Pretty much you can be assured that any of the expandable in-line double strollers is going to provide a ton of seating options.</p> <p>The bigger configuration issue has to do with how the second seat (second child) gets placed on the stroller.&nbsp; In this there are only really two distinct configurations, each offering their own set of challenges and performance issues.&nbsp; Like we said there is no perfect stroller solution.&nbsp; The second seat can sit at the front axle or it can sit at the back axle.&nbsp; The manufactures will all tell you their design is best but an informed consumer usually can juggle the pros and cons and decide which features are most important and which are not of substance to their needs and lifestyle.</p> <div class="resizePhotoWrapper"><a href="single-to-double-expandables"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/inline double stroller/inline double loads.png" alt="photo graphic showing difference between position of second seat and the brands that utilize each configuration. Over front axle position by Uppa baby vista and baby jogger city select. Second seat over real axle on nuna demi-grow stroller, Joolz geo and Britax B-ready strollers. " width="1000" /></a></div> <p>Front Axle loads (like the <a href="uppa-baby-vista-expandable-stroller-system">Uppa Baby Vista</a>) on strollers significantly reduce the functional maneuverability of the stroller and also tend to accomodate only smaller childeren in that position (limiting long term use of the stroller).&nbsp; Rear Axle loads (like the new <a href="nuna-demi-grow-stroller">Nuna Demi-Grow</a>) tend to have better maneuverability and larger carying capicity but the second child occupies part of the storage basket and many parents&nbsp;perceive that the 'in the basement' positioning of that child inhibits their ability to see out and enjoy the ride. (we have heard both sides 'my children fight over the bottom seat' and 'my childeren fight over the top seat' so we are not really in a postion to make a ruling on this one).</p> <h2>The Bottom Line on In-line Expandable Doubles</h2> <ol> <li>Parents of twins should consider the lifespan of the stroller and accomodating two equal sized children for as long as possible.&nbsp; This stroller will rarely be used as a single and parents should definately test as a double configuration.</li> <li>Parents buying an insurance policy for future babies should remember that you want this to be your stroller of choice as a single stroller.&nbsp; Get hands on and test folding, storage, manueverability and lifestyle alignment first.&nbsp; Consider the expansion as a bonus but choose the one that handles best for you and your needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li> <li>Parents of existing child that find they are now in the market for a double should be VERY cognizant of seating load capacities.&nbsp; Front Axle stroller loads are much smaller and many children outgrow that seating positon around 2 to 2 1/2 years old.&nbsp; If your child is already close to the front seat capacity you should probably consider a rear axle second seat stroller.</li> </ol> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We are glad to help with side by side comparisions and testing in our showroom anytime, and be sure to check our our <a href="single-to-double-expandables">expandable doubles here</a>.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:26 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/roast-chicken-easy-one-dish-perfection Roast Chicken - easy one dish perfection <p>I am a total foodie.&nbsp; I know the difference, at site, from semonlina flour and fine corn meal, can taste the difference between tellicherry and regular pepper, and make my own pasta, but struggled for a reasonably easy roast chicken for years.&nbsp; &nbsp;A couple of months ago we were flipping channels and landed on the 'Barefoot Contessa".&nbsp; Typicaly cooking shows bore me or move so fast that I can't keep up.&nbsp; This time Ina (Garten - the Barefoot Contessa) was making a roasted chicken and before I could change the channel she said something along the line of 'this is foolproof and simple and we do this 3 or 4 times a month"..... so I hung around.... and it is.</p> <p>This recipe is definately hers, I make no pretense of claiming the basis of the recipe, but wanted to post it because it is just too simple and makes a delicious family meal.</p> <h2>What you need:</h2> <ul> <li>One 5 pound roaster chicken</li> <li>Salt (I like Kosher because it is easier to pinch and season things with)</li> <li>Freshly ground black pepper</li> <li>1 large bunch fresh thyme, plus 20 sprigs - use fresh - almost always available at the grocery</li> <li>1 lemon, halved or quartered</li> <li>1 head garlic, cut in half crosswise</li> <li>2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter, melted</li> <li>Olive Oil</li> </ul> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/roast chk/vegatables for roast chickent - Copy 1.JPG" alt="vegatables for roasted chicken" width="300" /></p> <p>This is where I am going to diverge from the printed recipe a bit.&nbsp; On the Food Network site the vegtables that are recommended are very clearly spelled out (1 large yellow onion, 4 carrots and 1 bulb of fennel) - this makes a great vegatable collection upon which to roast your chicken but I found you can use just about any root vegatable and some non-standard ones make for some of the most interesting dishs.&nbsp; What ever you choose you need to cut the root vegatables up into appox 1"-2" thickness.&nbsp; I would definately include at least 1/2 a large onion but the rest can be what excites you at the grocery.&nbsp; Tonight I used radishes, parsnips and fingerling potatoes.&nbsp; You want about 4 cups of vegatables.&nbsp; I'll write the rest of the recipe according to how it was served tonight and you can view the original <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/perfect-roast-chicken-recipe-1940592" target="_blank">over here</a>.</p> <ul> <li>1/2 large yellow onion, thickly sliced</li> <li>12 medium radishes - stemed and halfed (leave the red skin)</li> <li>4 parsnips, peeled and cut into 2 inch pieces (parsnips have long skinny roots that will over-caramelize in the roasting so keep the cut sizes pretty generous)</li> <li>16 fingerling potatoes (mixed colors)</li> </ul> <p>I have used all kinds of root vegatables so you really cant go wrong, but if you have never had a roasted radish or parsnip I would recommend using one or the other in this dish.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Procedure:</h2> <p>Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees - set rack to middle position in oven.</p> <ul> <li>Rinse whole chicken - remove and discard giblets if included.&nbsp; Pat dry.</li> <li>Use a generous amount of salt and pepper to season inside cavity of chicken</li> <li>stuff cavity of chicken with pieces of whole lemon, 10 whole sprigs of thyme and garlic pieces</li> <li><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/roast chk/roasted chicken out of oven.JPG" alt="ROASTED CHICKEN IN PAN" width="300" /> Close cavity and tie legs together with kitchen twine.&nbsp; You will want to prep the chicken breast side up (as shown in photo).&nbsp; The legs will be trussed together and you can tuck the wings up and around underneath the body to secure (see photo).</li> <li>In large roasting pan scatter the vegatables.&nbsp; Drizzle about 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the vegatables and toss to evenly distribute.&nbsp; Add the remaining 10 sprigs of fresh thyme.&nbsp; (I use a large staniless steel skillet instead of a roasting pan - you can use just about anything)</li> <li>Place stuffed and trussed chicken directly on top of the vegatables, breast side up and with wings tucked under the breast.</li> <li>Brush melted butter all over top of chicken and season with a few grinds of pepper and a sprinkle of salt</li> <li>Roast in oven 1 and 1/2 hours.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li> <li>Remove Chicken to carving board and cover with foil.&nbsp; Let sit at least 15 minutes.</li> <li>Revove vegatables to serving platter with slotted spoon and cover lightly with foil.</li> <li>After Chicken has rested for 15 minutes - carve and place pieces on top of vegatables on the serving dish.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li> <li>EAT!</li> </ul> <div class="resizePhotoWrapper"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/roast chk/roasted chicken plated.JPG" alt="" width="600" /></div> <h2>&nbsp;</h2> urn:store:1:blog:post:25 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/end-of-year-sale End Of Year Sale <p>It is the end of the year and we just got back from our annual trade/buying show.&nbsp; So we have a lot of NEW products coming in and we need to make some room.</p> <h2>Floor Sample Furniture Packages:</h2> <p>We have lots of new Cribs and youth furniture enroute.... so it is time for some sample clearance.&nbsp; <strong>Save 50%-60%</strong> off packages on select collections.&nbsp; These will not be sold online (instore only).&nbsp; Available packages are listed below and are likely to change quickly.&nbsp; Availability is not guaranteed.&nbsp; Scroll down for current (or nearly current) listing.</p> <h2>Little Unicorn retired prints and styles 35% OFF:</h2> <p><a href="clearance#/manFilters=5&amp;pageSize=6&amp;viewMode=grid&amp;orderBy=0"><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/retired little unicorn.jpg" alt="" width="300" /></a></p> <p>Everyone's Favorite muslin line has a pile of retired prints.&nbsp; ALL retired products are 3<strong>5% OFF</strong> while supplies last.&nbsp; Available instore or Online.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="clearance#/manFilters=5&amp;pageSize=6&amp;viewMode=grid&amp;orderBy=0">View avaialble Retired Little Unicorn</a></p> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2>Teaberry Lane Cherry - nursery package</h2> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/end of year 2017/IMG_3230.jpg" alt="" width="400" /></p> <ul> <li>Floor sample package only</li> <li><strong>50% OFF</strong> original pricing</li> <li>Includes: <ul> <li>Crib</li> <li>Double&nbsp;Dresser</li> <li>Nightstand</li> <li>Changing Tray for Dresser</li> </ul> </li> <li> <h1><em>SOLD</em></h1> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2>Driftwood Park - Vanilla Oak - Crib</h2> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/end of year 2017/driftwood park crib vanilla.jpg" alt="" width="400" /></p> <ul> <li>Floor sample&nbsp;crib</li> <li><strong>50% OFF</strong> original pricing</li> <li>Crib converts to adult and toddler beds with purchase of appropriate conversion kits (not included)</li> <li> <h1><em>SOLD</em></h1> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2>Driftwood Park - Sunflower - Double Dresser</h2> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/end of year 2017/driftwood park dresser sunflower.jpg" alt="" width="400" /></p> <ul> <li>Floor sample&nbsp;dresser only</li> <li><strong>50% OFF</strong> original pricing</li> <li>was $879&nbsp;<strong>sale floor $439.50</strong></li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2>Clementime Court - gray&nbsp;- nursery package</h2> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/end of year 2017/IMG_3231.jpg" alt="" width="400" /></p> <ul> <li>Floor sample package only</li> <li><strong>40% OFF</strong> original pricing</li> <li>Includes: <ul> <li>Crib</li> <li>Double&nbsp;Dresser</li> <li>Changing Tray for Dresser</li> </ul> </li> <li>was $1812.00&nbsp; <strong>sale floor $1087.00</strong></li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2>Haven Linen&nbsp;- nursery package</h2> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/end of year 2017/IMG_3215.JPG" alt="" width="400" /></p> <ul> <li>Floor sample package only</li> <li><strong>50% OFF</strong> original pricing</li> <li>Includes: <ul> <li>Crib</li> <li>Double Dresser</li> <li>Hutch for Dresser</li> </ul> </li> <li>was $2097.00&nbsp;<strong>now $1,048.50</strong></li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2>Haven Linen&nbsp;- nursery package</h2> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/end of year 2017/haven cottage.jpg" alt="" width="400" /></p> <ul> <li>Floor sample package only</li> <li><strong>50% OFF</strong> original pricing</li> <li>Includes: <ul> <li>Cottage Crib</li> <li>Single Dresser</li> <li>Bookcase Hutch</li> </ul> </li> <li>was $1947.00&nbsp;<strong>now $973.50</strong></li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2>Clementine Court&nbsp;- Twin Bed Packages</h2> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/end of year 2017/IMG_3221.JPG" alt="" width="400" /></p> <ul> <li>Floor sample package only</li> <li><strong>50% OFF</strong> original pricing</li> <li>multiple packages include: <ul> <li>Twinbed</li> <li>Trundle</li> <li>Chest</li> <li>Bedside tables</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>all reduced 50% OFF</strong></li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2>Smiling Hill - licorice finish&nbsp;- nursery package</h2> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/end of year 2017/IMG_3218.JPG" alt="" width="400" /></p> <ul> <li>Floor sample package only</li> <li><strong>50% OFF</strong> original pricing</li> <li>Includes: <ul> <li>Crib</li> <li>Single Dresser</li> <li>Tall Chest</li> <li>Changer Tray</li> </ul> </li> <li>was $2581.00&nbsp; <strong>now $1290.50</strong></li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2>Everett - Antique Gray&nbsp;- nursery package</h2> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/end of year 2017/IMG_3216.JPG" alt="" width="400" /></p> <ul> <li>Floor sample package only</li> <li><strong>60% OFF</strong> original pricing</li> <li>Includes: <ul> <li>Crib</li> <li>Double Dresser</li> <li>Tall Chest</li> <li>Changer Tray</li> </ul> </li> <li> <h1><em>SOLD</em></h1> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2>Smiling Hill Marshmallow - nursery package</h2> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/end of year 2017/IMG_3217.JPG" alt="" width="400" /></p> <ul> <li>Floor sample package only</li> <li><strong>50% OFF</strong> original pricing</li> <li>Includes: <ul> <li>Crib</li> <li>Single Dresser</li> <li>Bookcase</li> <li>Changing Tray for Dresser</li> </ul> </li> <li> <h1><em>SOLD</em></h1> </li> </ul> <h2>Be Sure to check back for additional and new sale items</h2> urn:store:1:blog:post:24 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/flash-furniture-sale Flash Furniture Sale <p><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/flash sale/flash sale round.png" alt="link to online promotions for memorial day" width="300" />Some great last minute in store promotions for a Flash sale for Columbus Day and beyond. &nbsp;For a complete list of the ONLINE promotions that are available visit our&nbsp;<a href="promotion">Promotions Page</a></p> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2>Romina &amp; Silva Rail Event</h2> <p>The top of the line furniture collections from Romina and Siva Furniture are all on sale 10.5.17 THROUGH 11.6.17. &nbsp;Romina features solid beech wood construction and exquisite finishes and detailing. &nbsp;Silva offers beech wood construction with simple refined styling and elegance.</p> <div class="resizePhotoWrapper"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/flash sale/romina and silva flash sale - Copy 1.png" alt="" width="1200" height="627" /></div> <ul> <li> <h3>15% OFF all Romina and Silva&nbsp;Products</h3> </li> <li> <h3>FREE Crib MATTRESS with purchase of ANY crib or Crib package</h3> </li> <li> <h3>FREE - toddler rail ($175 value) with purchase of any Silva or Romina Crib</h3> </li> <li> <h3>FREE - adult conversion kit&nbsp;(up to $375 value) with purchase of any Silva or Romina Crib plus a Silva or Romina Dresser</h3> </li> <li> <h3>FREE - toddler rail, FREE adult conversion kit and FREE Crib Mattress&nbsp;(up to $750 value) with purchase of any Silva or Romina Crib with matching Dresser and Chest</h3> </li> <li> <h3>30% Deposits and 3 months to pick up</h3> </li> <li> <h3>12 Month Financing available</h3> </li> <li> <h3>5 year accident protection available and recommended on all furniture purchases</h3> </li> <li> <h3>Sale&nbsp;10.5.17 THROUGH 11.6.17</h3> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2>Pali Furniture&nbsp;Rail Event</h2> <p>Italian design and quality that comes from manufacturing for over 20 years.....</p> <div class="resizePhotoWrapper"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/flash sale/pali furniture rail event.png" alt="" width="1200" height="627" /></div> <ul> <li> <h3>FREE Crib MATTRESS with purchase of ANY crib or Crib package</h3> </li> <li> <h3>FREE - toddler rail ($99 value) with purchase of any&nbsp;Pali Crib</h3> </li> <li> <h3>FREE - adult conversion kit&nbsp;(up to $199 value) with purchase of any Pali Crib and Dresser</h3> </li> <li> <h3>FREE - toddler rail, FREE adult conversion kit and FREE Crib Mattress&nbsp;(up to $370 value) with purchase of any Pali&nbsp;Crib, Dresser and Chest</h3> </li> <li> <h3>30% Deposits and 3 months to pick up</h3> </li> <li> <h3>12 Month Financing available</h3> </li> <li> <h3>5 year accident protection available and recommended on all furniture purchases</h3> </li> <li> <h3>Sale&nbsp;&nbsp;10.5.17 THROUGH 10.17.17</h3> </li> </ul> urn:store:1:blog:post:23 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/pipa-lite New PIPA Lite by Nuna - the 5 pound wonder! <h2>Pipa Lite &ndash; the best just got better</h2> <p><br />We are enormous fans of Nuna and most especially the Pipa infant carseat. This incredible infant carrier car seat has been a game changer for so many families. Needless to say we are pumped up about a new version that touts one of the lowest carrying weights we have ever seen in this class of carseats. <br />The original Pipa Carseat touted a 7.7 pound weight*. Nuna has shaved off a full two pounds from the carrier&rsquo;s weight to bring the new seat down to 5.3 pounds*. Pipa was already one of the lighter carseats on the market and now they are blowing the doors of the house with this new version&hellip;. All without sacrificing the gold standard of safety and ease of use the Pipa represents.<br />*weights calculated without infant insert and without canopy (including these components the Pipa and Pipa Lite seats weight 9.4lbs &amp; 6.7lbs respectively)</p> <div class="videoWrapper"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kLsCDs0kWfE?rel=0" width="1280" height="720" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> <h2><br />How did they get the weight down?</h2> <p><br /><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/nuna/pipa lite/FOG_PIPALITE_ANGLE_CANOPY transparent_1.jpg" alt="Pipa Lite Fog - shown with full canopy" width="300" height="300" />The short answer is &lsquo;technology&rsquo;. As with almost everything related to consumer goods, we want things faster, smaller, quicker, lighter and there is always new technology to address these wants. Nuna has never been the inventor of much that was revolutionary and outside the scope of what was available elsewhere but what they have done is incorporate features and technology from outside sources and combined these features in novel ways to produce a superior product. By example they didn&rsquo;t invent the Load leg or rigid latch system found on the Pipa, but they had enough forethought to combine these into one seat. By combining existing features into a single product the benefits of each created a seat that changed the face of infant carseats in the industry.</p> <h2>Where did the weight come from?</h2> <p>First of all &ndash; it didn&rsquo;t come from the base. The revolutionary Pipa base (which is exactly the same as the Pipa Lite) is untouched. You still get the rapid and simple rigid latch install and the injury protective benefits of the load leg. The weight of the carrier has been reduced.</p> <p>Nuna describes the new shell production as:</p> <p style="padding-left: 30px;"><em> &ldquo;aeroflex&trade; fusion: our proprietary, state-of-the-art manufacturing process creates this first-of-its-kind shell&rdquo;. </em></p> <p>Our understanding is that the shell of the seat features a thinner (and thereby lighter) shell wall but requires a longer and more involved curing process to complete. With high quality plastics you can achieve higher strength and lower weight by extending the manufacturing time (curing time). Nuna reports that the cycle time on the new shell is now 8 hours instead of the previous 90 seconds. That is a 31,000% increase in curing time for the shell to ensure a higher quality, lower weight product. <br />They are also incorporating a lower weight but higher quality foam inside this newer lighter frame. They have switched from EPS to EPP foam. I didn&rsquo;t know the difference so had to look it up. What I found was :</p> <p style="padding-left: 30px;"><em>EPP is used in similar applications as EPS, including packing material, insulation and safety gear. EPP can be used to make microwaveable food containers and is heat resistant. EPP is more elastic and less brittle than EPS, which is easily dented permanently, while EPP springs back into shape. EPS tends to crack, snap or crumble under stress, making it unsuitable for items that must withstand multiple impacts such as automotive bumpers. EPP, on the other hand, is used extensively in the automobile industry.</em>&nbsp;<a href="http://sciencing.com/eps-vs-epp-foam-12225740.html" target="_blank">http://sciencing.com/eps-vs-epp-foam-12225740.html</a></p> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/nuna/pipa lite/FOG_PIPALITE_ANGLE_NOCANOPY.jpg" alt="Pipa Lite Fog with our canopy - the 5 pound wonder" width="300" height="300" />Aside from the shell and protective foam of the carrier the only other major weight on the seat comes from their carrying handle. If you have touched the Pipa you know this seat is know for it&rsquo;s high quality aluminum carrying handle. This aluminum carrying handle feels superior to all the plastic handles out in the industry&hellip; but obviously it adds weight. Nuna reports that they are using a high performance aerospace aluminum in the new handle. This use of resilient aerospace aluminum provides lower overall weight without sacrificing the tensile strength or durability.</p> <p>The fabric cover of the seat has switched to a lower weight type of fabric (which is also beautiful and feels good). This new knit fabric has a beautiful look and feel and is responsible for some of the weight reduction. This fabric is also flame-retardant &ndash; thereby eliminating the need to add additional chemical flame retardants to the seat. (many carseats are sprayed with additional flame retardants after produced to meet flammability standards, NUNA is reporting that post production spray on flame retardants are not used or necessary to pass required flammability standards on the new PIPA LITE!!!!)<br />The last little bit of weight reduction comes from Pipa Lite not featuring the base-less install features of the classic Pipa carrier. This will affect a small portion of users who rely primarily on public transportation. The new Pipa Lite cannot be installed without the carseat base, so you will might consider investing in an extra base if you are using the seat in multiple vehicles on a consistent basis. Since the install of the base is so easy to begin with, even most families will not find this necessary.</p> <p>Overall we are incredibly impressed with the new features and the feather light approach to this new version. It clocks in at just $50 more for the incredible reduction in weight!</p> <h2>Shop the NEW PIPA LITE:<br /><br /></h2> <div id="three_across_image_tab"> <p><a href="pipa-lite-infant-carseat-fog"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/nuna/pipa lite/FOG_PIPAlite_ANGLE_CANOPY copy.jpg" alt="pipa lite fog" width="1000" height="1000" /></a></p> <p><a href="pipa-lite-infant-carseat-fog">Pipa Lite - Fog</a></p> </div> <div id="three_across_image_tab"> <p><a href="pipa-lite-infant-carseat-ebony"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/nuna/pipa lite/EBONY_PIPALITE_ANGLE_CANOPY transparent.jpg" alt="PIPA Lite Ebony" width="1000" height="1000" /></a></p> <p><a href="pipa-lite-infant-carseat-ebony">Pipa Lite - Ebony</a></p> </div> urn:store:1:blog:post:22 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/memorial-day-sale-2017 Memorial Day Sale - 2017 <p><a href="promotion"><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/memorial day 2017/memorial day online promotions.jpg" alt="link to online promotions for memorial day" width="300" /></a>Most of the Memorial Day Sale events are limited to IN-STORE purchases. &nbsp;For a complete list of the ONLINE promotions that are available visit our&nbsp;<a href="promotion">Promotions Page</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Our IN-STORE event has begun and will run 05.16.2017&nbsp;through 05.29.2017&nbsp;(Memorial Day) &nbsp;This is one of our biggest and best sale events of the year.</p> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2>Romina &amp; Silva Rail Event</h2> <p>The top of the line furniture collections from Romina and Siva Furniture are all on sale 05.16.2017&nbsp;through 05.29.2017. &nbsp;Romina features solid beech wood construction and exquisite finishes and detailing. &nbsp;Silva offers beech wood construction with simple refined styling and elegance.</p> <div class="resizePhotoWrapper"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/memorial day 2017/romina memorial day.jpg" alt="" width="1200" height="627" /></div> <ul> <li> <h3>15% OFF all Romina and Silva&nbsp;Products</h3> </li> <li> <h3>FREE Crib MATTRESS with purchase of ANY crib or Crib package</h3> </li> <li> <h3>FREE - toddler rail ($175 value) with purchase of any Silva or Romina Crib</h3> </li> <li> <h3>FREE - adult conversion kit&nbsp;(up to $375 value) with purchase of any Silva or Romina Crib plus a Silva or Romina Dresser</h3> </li> <li> <h3>FREE - toddler rail, FREE adult conversion kit and FREE Crib Mattress&nbsp;(up to $750 value) with purchase of any Silva or Romina Crib with matching Dresser and Chest</h3> </li> <li> <h3>30% Deposits and 3 months to pick up</h3> </li> <li> <h3>12 Month Financing available</h3> </li> <li> <h3>5 year accident protection available and recommended on all furniture purchases</h3> </li> <li> <h3>Sale &nbsp;05.16.2017&nbsp;through 05.29.2017</h3> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2><a href="willa-crib-metal-snowdrift"><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/memorial day 2017/WILLA CRIB 399.jpg" alt="" width="300" /></a>Willa Crib Snowdrift Sale</h2> <p>One of our favorite cribs is on special clearance pricing. &nbsp;The willa metal crib is a stunning and affordable crib yet simple and refined. &nbsp;Just lovely</p> <ul> <li> <h3>Willa Crib - was $499</h3> </li> <li> <h3>Sale price $399</h3> </li> <li> <h3>Free pick-up in store. &nbsp;Shipping direct to home $75 nationwide. &nbsp;<a href="willa-crib-metal-snowdrift">SHOP NOW</a></h3> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em><strong>This is instore ONLY event</strong></em></span></p> <h2>Devonshire Wing-Back Glider</h2> <p>The&nbsp;Lovely modern wingback glider with a tufted back has taken our store by storm. &nbsp;This is the perfect scale chair and style for most any nursery, be it modern or traditional. &nbsp;We adore this chair and have worked out a special event pricing on it.</p> <div class="resizePhotoWrapper"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/memorial day 2017/BEST CHAIR MEMORIAL DAY 2.jpg" alt="" width="1200" height="627" /></div> <ul> <li>Take $100 off ANY Devonshire&nbsp;glider ordered between&nbsp;05.16.2017&nbsp;through 05.29.2017</li> <li>Add an ottoman and receive an additional $50 discount for a total of $150 off the pair</li> <li>Choose ANY active fabric combination (including options for contrast welt - upcharges might apply).</li> <li>Special order combinations ship in 5-6 weeks.</li> <li>Cannot be combined with other offers</li> <li>Discount not transferable to other products or on previously completed orders</li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2>Amsterdam Recliner/Glider Sale</h2> <p>The Amsterdam Recliner Glider from Storytime Series is our number one glider/recliner. &nbsp;It features an inside the arm release mechanism for the recline which makes engaging the recliner much easier than those chairs you have to reach around to engage. &nbsp;The Amsterdam also features a plush blown hollowfill back for a highly comfortable seat during long hours rocking a new baby.</p> <div class="resizePhotoWrapper"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/memorial day 2017/BEST CHAIR MEMORIAL DAY 1.jpg" alt="" width="1200" height="627" /></div> <ul> <li>Take $125 off ANY Amsterdam recliner glider ordered between 05.16.2017&nbsp;through 05.29.2017</li> <li>Add an ottoman and receive an additional $50 discount for a total of $175 off the pair</li> <li>Choose ANY active fabric combination (including options for contrast welt - upcharges might apply).</li> <li>Special order combinations ship in 5-6 weeks.</li> <li>Stock chair (natural with white contrast welt) is available for immediate delivery while supplies last.</li> <li>Cannot be combined with other offers</li> <li>Discount not transferable to other products or on previously completed orders</li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2>Stone &amp; Leigh</h2> <p>This stunning collection of Nursery and Youth Furniture from Stanley Furniture is on Sale in their first ever Memorial Day Promotion</p> <div class="resizePhotoWrapper"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/memorial day 2017/stone and leigh memorial day.jpg" alt="" width="1200" height="627" /></div> <ul> <li> <h3>20% OFF all&nbsp;STONE &amp;LEIGH Products</h3> </li> <li> <h3>FREE Crib MATTRESS with purchase of ANY crib or Crib package</h3> </li> <li> <h3>30% Deposits and 3 months to pick up</h3> </li> <li> <h3>12 Month Financing available</h3> </li> <li> <h3>5 year accident protection available and recommended on all furniture purchases</h3> </li> <li> <h3>Sale &nbsp;05.16.2017&nbsp;through 05.29.2017</h3> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2>Stella Trinity, Athena &amp; Kerrigan</h2> <p>Our three best selling collections from Stella Furniture....</p> <div class="resizePhotoWrapper"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/memorial day 2017/stella memorial day 1.jpg" alt="" width="1200" height="627" /></div> <ul> <li> <h3>25% OFF all Trinity, Kensington and Athena&nbsp;Products</h3> </li> <li> <h3>FREE Crib MATTRESS with purchase of ANY crib or Crib package</h3> </li> <li> <h3>30% Deposits and 3 months to pick up</h3> </li> <li> <h3>12 Month Financing available</h3> </li> <li> <h3>5 year accident protection available and recommended on all furniture purchases</h3> </li> <li> <h3>Sale &nbsp;05.16.2017&nbsp;through 05.29.2017</h3> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2>Pali Furniture&nbsp;Rail Event</h2> <p>Italian design and quality that comes from manufacturing for over 20 years.....</p> <div class="resizePhotoWrapper"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/memorial day 2017/pali memorial day 2.jpg" alt="" width="1200" height="627" /></div> <ul> <li> <h3>FREE Crib MATTRESS with purchase of ANY crib or Crib package</h3> </li> <li> <h3>FREE - toddler rail ($99 value) with purchase of any&nbsp;Pali Crib</h3> </li> <li> <h3>FREE - adult conversion kit&nbsp;(up to $199 value) with purchase of any Pali Crib and Dresser</h3> </li> <li> <h3>FREE - toddler rail, FREE adult conversion kit and FREE Crib Mattress&nbsp;(up to $370 value) with purchase of any Pali&nbsp;Crib, Dresser and Chest</h3> </li> <li> <h3>30% Deposits and 3 months to pick up</h3> </li> <li> <h3>12 Month Financing available</h3> </li> <li> <h3>5 year accident protection available and recommended on all furniture purchases</h3> </li> <li> <h3>Sale &nbsp;05.16.2017&nbsp;through 05.29.2017</h3> </li> </ul> urn:store:1:blog:post:21 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/gear-trade-in-event Gear Trade In Event <h2>Go from Yuck to AHHHH....</h2> <p>This comming weekend join us for our first ever - GEAR TRADE IN EVENT. &nbsp;As part of our EARTH DAY CELEBRATION we are taking back old used Carseats and Strollers and providing a 20% Discount on a new Stroller or Carseat.</p> <ul> <li>20% OFF on NEW carseat or stroller purchase</li> <li>Cannot be applied to prior purchases</li> <li>Good only April 21st through April 23rd</li> <li>Instore event only - discount cannot be applied to online purchases</li> </ul> urn:store:1:blog:post:20 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/spring-sale Spring Sale <p>Happy springtime!</p> <p>check out our great IN-STORE sale events below April 7th to 24th</p> <h2><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/thanksgiving-romina-square.png" alt="" width="300" height="300" />Romina &amp; Silva Rail Event</h2> <p>The top of the line furniture collections from Romina and Siva Furniture are all on sale through 04.24.17. &nbsp;Romina features solid beech wood construction and exquisite finishes and detailing. &nbsp;Silva offers beech wood construction with simple refined styling and elegance.</p> <ul> <li> <h3>15% OFF all Romina and Silva&nbsp;Products</h3> </li> <li> <h3>FREE - toddler rail ($175 value) with purchase of any Silva or Romina Crib</h3> </li> <li> <h3>FREE - adult conversion kit&nbsp;(up to $375 value) with purchase of any Silva or Romina Crib plus a Silva or Romina Dresser</h3> </li> <li> <h3>FREE - toddler rail, FREE adult conversion kit and FREE Crib Mattress&nbsp;(up to $750 value) with purchase of any Silva or Romina Crib with matching Dresser and Chest</h3> </li> <li> <h3>30% Deposits and 3 months to pick up</h3> </li> <li> <h3>12 Month Financing available</h3> </li> <li> <h3>5 year accident protection available and recommended on all furniture purchases</h3> </li> <li> <h3>Sale &nbsp;ENDS 04.24.2017</h3> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2><a href="clearance#/specFilters=3m!#-!19"><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/sale event photos/WILLA CRIB 399.png" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a>Willa Crib Sale</h2> <p>One of our favorite cribs is on special clearance pricing. &nbsp;The willa metal crib is a stunning and affordable crib yet simple and refined. &nbsp;Just lovely</p> <ul> <li> <h3>Willa Crib - was $499</h3> </li> <li> <h3>Sale price $399</h3> </li> <li> <h3>Free pick-up in store. &nbsp;Shipping direct to home $50-$100 depending on radius to store. &nbsp;<a href="clearance#/specFilters=3m!#-!19">SHOP NOW</a></h3> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2><a href="oliver-room-package-gray"><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/sale event photos/doorbuster-package.png" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a>Oliver Package Sale</h2> <p>Huge savings on this incredible Package from Franklin and Ben</p> <ul> <li> <h3>Crib + Dresser + Toddler Rail</h3> </li> <li> <h3>$899 while supplies last</h3> </li> <li> <h3>12 Month Financing available</h3> </li> <li> <h3>5 year accident protection available and recommended on all furniture purchase</h3> </li> <li> <h3>IN - STORE or&nbsp;<a href="oliver-room-package-gray">Purchase online</a></h3> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em><strong>This is instore ONLY event</strong></em></span></p> <h2><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-25565" style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/DEVONSHIRE.png" alt="devonshire" width="300" height="300" />Devonshire Wing-Back Glider</h2> <p>The&nbsp;Lovely modern wingback glider with a tufted back has taken our store by storm. &nbsp;This is the perfect scale chair and style for most any nursery, be it modern or traditional. &nbsp;We adore this chair and have worked out a special event pricing on it.</p> <ul> <li>Take $100 off ANY Devonshire&nbsp;glider ordered between&nbsp;4/7/2017 and 4/24/2017</li> <li>Add an ottoman and receive an additional $50 discount for a total of $150 off the pair</li> <li>Choose ANY active fabric combination (including options for contrast welt - upcharges might apply).</li> <li>Special order combinations ship in 5-6 weeks.</li> <li>Cannot be combined with other offers</li> <li>Discount not transferable to other products or on previously completed orders</li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2><img class="alignright wp-image-25550 size-medium" style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/amsterdam-room.png" alt="amsterdam-room" width="300" height="300" /></h2> <h2>Amsterdam Recliner/Glider Sale</h2> <p>The Amsterdam Recliner Glider from Storytime Series is our number one glider/recliner. &nbsp;It features an inside the arm release mechanism for the recline which makes engaging the recliner much easier than those chairs you have to reach around to engage. &nbsp;The Amsterdam also features a plush blown hollowfill back for a highly comfortable seat during long hours rocking a new baby.</p> <ul> <li>Take $125 off ANY Amsterdam recliner glider ordered between&nbsp;4/7/2017 through 4/24/2017</li> <li>Add an ottoman and receive an additional $50 discount for a total of $175 off the pair</li> <li>Choose ANY active fabric combination (including options for contrast welt - upcharges might apply).</li> <li>Special order combinations ship in 5-6 weeks.</li> <li>Stock chair (natural with white contrast welt) is available for immediate delivery while supplies last.</li> <li>Cannot be combined with other offers</li> <li>Discount not transferable to other products or on previously completed orders</li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-25549" style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/fourseasons-sale.png" alt="fourseasons-sale" width="300" height="300" />Four Seasons Slip-covered Gliders</h2> <p>Four Seasons seating makes some of the most spectacular seating options available in the US today. &nbsp;Chairs feature fantastic warranty on construction. &nbsp;Options for machine washable covers allow easy cleanup of spills and stains. &nbsp;Over 250 fabrics. &nbsp;Option for Down Filled cushions and standard resilient seat at no additional charge.</p> <ul> <li>Take $125 off ANY Slipcover Glider ordered between&nbsp;4/7/2017 and 4/24/2017</li> <li>Add an ottoman and receive an additional $75 discount for a total of $200 off the pair</li> <li>Choose any active fabric combination (including options for contrast welt) - up-charges for fabric grade might apply</li> <li>Special order chairs ship in 10-12 weeks</li> <li>Cannot be combined with other offers</li> <li>Discount not transferable to other products or on previously completed orders</li> </ul> urn:store:1:blog:post:19 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/clay-rice-portraits-charlotte-march-20 Clay Rice Portraits - Charlotte March 20 <p><img class="alignright wp-image-24272" style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/ClayHappyCustomer.jpg" alt="ClayHappyCustomer" width="450" height="335" />Renowned artist, <a href="http://ricegalleries.com/bio.html" target="_blank">Clay Rice</a>, will be at the Charlotte&nbsp;Showroom Monday March 20th&nbsp;from 3:00pm-6:00pm. &nbsp;There are limited number of sittings for these incredible Silhouette Portraits. &nbsp;Each appointment is 5 minutes and the personalized hand cut portrait goes home with you that day (2 copies in fact). &nbsp;Mr Rice is well known and produced some 900,000 portraits over his 32 year artistic history. &nbsp; &nbsp;Don't miss this unique opportunity to memorialize your child's sweet face for all time.</p> <p><strong>Details:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Monday March 20th 3:00pm-6:00pm</li> <li>BFPK Charlotte - 800 Clanton Road, Charlotte NC 28217&nbsp;</li> <li>By Reservation ONLY&nbsp;704-323-8000</li> <li>$42 for two copies of portrait</li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-24271" style="float: left;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/Girl08003.jpg" alt="Girl08003" width="300" height="300" /></p> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> urn:store:1:blog:post:18 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/presidents-day-sale President's Day Sale <p>It has been a tumultuous first few weeks of the new Presidential administration. &nbsp;Celebrations and Demonstrations abound, but the one thing we can all agree on is the historic nature of the past few weeks. &nbsp;Every year we celebrate the founding Presidents and the legacy of our Commander in Cheif. &nbsp;President's Day is a celebration of the great men past that have held the highest office in the land.</p> <p>check out our great IN-STORE sale events below&nbsp;</p> <h2><a href="skip-hop-high-chair-charcoal"><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/SKIPHOP HIGHCHAIR.jpg" alt="" width="300" /></a>Win a Tuo High-Chair</h2> <p>The hottest new High Chair around is the <a href="skip-hop-high-chair-charcoal">Tuo Convertible highchair</a>&nbsp;by skip hop and we are giving away 4 this Saturday 2/18/17</p> <ul> <li> <h3>Make ANY purchase (no matter how small or how large) in any of our stores or Online this Saturday and be entered to win</h3> </li> <li> <h3>One <a href="skip-hop-high-chair-charcoal">Tuo High-Chair</a>&nbsp;will be awarded to a customer from each location and on website for a total of 4 FREE <a href="skip-hop-high-chair-charcoal">Tuo Highchairs</a>. &nbsp;</h3> </li> <li> <h3>Winners will be contacted by Monday 2/20/17&nbsp;</h3> <h3>&nbsp;</h3> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <h2><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/IMG_1133-(002).png" alt="" width="300" />In-Store Only Sale</h2> <p>Lots of great special event discounts for President's Day Weekend - through 2/22/17</p> <ul> <li> <h3>20% off all Little Unicorn Products</h3> </li> <li> <h3>20% OFF all Liz and Roo mix and match bedding</h3> </li> <li> <h3>20% OFF all Jellycat Plush</h3> </li> <li> <h3>20% OFF all ARTWORK</h3> </li> <li> <h3>Maybe some other special instore specials that cant be posted on line as well &nbsp;(wink.wink.nudge.nudge)</h3> <h3>&nbsp;</h3> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <h2><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/thanksgiving-romina-square.png" alt="" width="300" height="300" />Romina &amp; Silva Rail Event</h2> <p>The top of the line furniture collections from Romina and Siva Furniture are all on sale through 02.22.2017. &nbsp;Romina features solid beech wood construction and exquisite finishes and detailing. &nbsp;Silva offers beech wood construction with simple refined styling and elegance.</p> <ul> <li> <h3>15% OFF all Romina and Silva&nbsp;Products</h3> </li> <li> <h3>FREE - toddler rail ($175 value) with purchase of any Silva or Romina Crib</h3> </li> <li> <h3>FREE - adult conversion kit&nbsp;(up to $375 value) with purchase of any Silva or Romina Crib plus a Silva or Romina Dresser</h3> </li> <li> <h3>FREE - toddler rail, FREE adult conversion kit and FREE Crib Mattress&nbsp;(up to $750 value) with purchase of any Silva or Romina Crib with matching Dresser and Chest</h3> </li> <li> <h3>30% Deposits and 3 months to pick up</h3> </li> <li> <h3>12 Month Financing available</h3> </li> <li> <h3>5 year accident protection available and recommended on all furniture purchases</h3> </li> <li> <h3>Sale &nbsp;ENDS&nbsp;02.22.2017</h3> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <h2><a href="clearance#/specFilters=3m!#-!19"><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/sale event photos/WILLA CRIB 399.png" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a>Willa Crib Sale</h2> <p>One of our favorite cribs is on special clearance pricing. &nbsp;The willa metal crib is a stunning and affordable crib yet simple and refined. &nbsp;Just lovely</p> <ul> <li> <h3>Willa Crib - was $499</h3> </li> <li> <h3>Sale price $399</h3> </li> <li> <h3>Free pick-up in store. &nbsp;Shipping direct to home $50-$100 depending on radius to store. &nbsp;<a href="clearance#/specFilters=3m!#-!19">SHOP NOW</a></h3> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <h2><a href="pali-collections"><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/sale event photos/pali-rail-event.png" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a>Pali Furniture</h2> <p>A new addition to our storefronts, Pali, features quality production on classic Itallian designed collection. &nbsp;Soft-close drawer glide systems and stunning finishes</p> <ul> <li> <h3>All Pali products on sale in store</h3> </li> <li> <h3>FREE - adult conversion kit&nbsp;(up to $199 value) with purchase of any Pali Crib and Dresser</h3> </li> <li> <h3>FREE - toddler rail and FREE adult conversion kit (up to $299 value) with purchase of any PALI&nbsp;Crib with matching Dresser and Chest</h3> </li> <li> <h3>30% Deposits and 3 months to pick up</h3> </li> <li> <h3>12 Month Financing available</h3> </li> <li> <h3>5 year accident protection available and recommended on all furniture purchases</h3> </li> <li> <h3><a href="pali-collections">BUY ONLINE</a>&nbsp;or IN STORE - ENDS&nbsp;02.22.2017</h3> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <h2><a href="tillen-dove-complete-nursery-package"><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/sale event photos/tillen doorbuster package.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a>Tillen MONSTER doorbuster&nbsp;Package Sale</h2> <p>Huge savings on this incredible Package. &nbsp;Full Room package purchased on special warehouse sale from manufacturer.</p> <ul> <li> <h3>Crib + Dresser + Chest + Hutch + Nightstand + Changer Tray + Toddler Rail</h3> </li> <li> <h3>$1889 while supplies last &nbsp;(originally $3364)</h3> </li> <li> <h3>12 Month Financing available</h3> </li> <li> <h3>5 year accident protection available and recommended on all furniture purchase</h3> </li> <li> <h3>instore or&nbsp;<a href="tillen-dove-complete-nursery-package">Purchase online</a></h3> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <h2><a href="oliver-room-package-gray"><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/sale event photos/doorbuster-package.png" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a>Oliver Package Sale</h2> <p>Huge savings on this incredible Package from Franklin and Ben</p> <ul> <li> <h3>Crib + Dresser + Toddler Rail</h3> </li> <li> <h3>$899 while supplies last</h3> </li> <li> <h3>12 Month Financing available</h3> </li> <li> <h3>5 year accident protection available and recommended on all furniture purchase</h3> </li> <li> <h3>instore or&nbsp;<a href="oliver-room-package-gray">Purchase online</a></h3> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <h3><a href="glide-into-the-new-year-sale">Glider and Recliner sale extended through 2.22.17</a></h3> urn:store:1:blog:post:17 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/glide-into-the-new-year-sale Glide into the New Year - sale <p>It's a New Year and time for a NEW CHAIR - great sale on seating extended through&nbsp;February 22nd, 2017</p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em><strong>This is instore ONLY event</strong></em></span></p> <h2><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-25565" style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/DEVONSHIRE.png" alt="devonshire" width="300" height="300" />Devonshire Wing-Back Glider</h2> <p>The&nbsp;Lovely modern wingback glider with a tufted back has taken our store by storm. &nbsp;This is the perfect scale chair and style for most any nursery, be it modern or traditional. &nbsp;We adore this chair and have worked out a special event pricing on it.</p> <ul> <li>Take $100 off ANY Devonshire&nbsp;glider ordered between&nbsp;1/11/17 and 2/22/17</li> <li>Add an ottoman and receive an additional $50 discount for a total of $150 off the pair</li> <li>Choose ANY active fabric combination (including options for contrast welt - upcharges might apply).</li> <li>Special order combinations ship in 5-6 weeks.</li> <li>Cannot be combined with other offers</li> <li>Discount not transferable to other products or on previously completed orders</li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2><img class="alignright wp-image-25550 size-medium" style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/amsterdam-room.png" alt="amsterdam-room" width="300" height="300" /></h2> <h2>Amsterdam Recliner/Glider Sale</h2> <p>The Amsterdam Recliner Glider from Storytime Series is our number one glider/recliner. &nbsp;It features an inside the arm release mechanism for the recline which makes engaging the recliner much easier than those chairs you have to reach around to engage. &nbsp;The Amsterdam also features a plush blown hollowfill back for a highly comfortable seat during long hours rocking a new baby.</p> <ul> <li>Take $125 off ANY Amsterdam recliner glider ordered between&nbsp;1/11/2017 and 2/5/2017</li> <li>Add an ottoman and receive an additional $50 discount for a total of $175 off the pair</li> <li>Choose ANY active fabric combination (including options for contrast welt - upcharges might apply).</li> <li>Special order combinations ship in 5-6 weeks.</li> <li>Stock chair (natural with white contrast welt) is available for immediate delivery while supplies last.</li> <li>Cannot be combined with other offers</li> <li>Discount not transferable to other products or on previously completed orders</li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-25549" style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/fourseasons-sale.png" alt="fourseasons-sale" width="300" height="300" />Four Seasons Slip-covered Gliders</h2> <p>Four Seasons seating makes some of the most spectacular seating options available in the US today. &nbsp;Chairs feature fantastic warranty on construction. &nbsp;Options for machine washable covers allow easy cleanup of spills and stains. &nbsp;Over 250 fabrics. &nbsp;Option for Down Filled cushions and standard resilient seat at no additional charge.</p> <ul> <li>Take $125 off ANY Slipcover Glider ordered between&nbsp;1/11/2017 and 2/5/2017</li> <li>Add an ottoman and receive an additional $75 discount for a total of $200 off the pair</li> <li>Choose any active fabric combination (including options for contrast welt) - up-charges for fabric grade might apply</li> <li>Special order chairs ship in 10-12 weeks</li> <li>Cannot be combined with other offers</li> <li>Discount not transferable to other products or on previously completed orders</li> </ul> urn:store:1:blog:post:16 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/clay-rice-portraits-february-4-2017 Clay Rice Portraits - February 4 2017 <p><img class="alignright wp-image-24272" style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/ClayHappyCustomer.jpg" alt="ClayHappyCustomer" width="450" height="335" />Renowned artist, <a href="http://ricegalleries.com/bio.html" target="_blank">Clay Rice</a>, will be at the Greenville Showroom Saturday February 4th&nbsp;from 10am-1pm. &nbsp;There are limited number of sittings for these incredible Silhouette Portraits. &nbsp;Each appointment is 5 minutes and the personalized hand cut portrait goes home with you that day (2 copies in fact). &nbsp;Mr Rice is well known and produced some 900,000 portraits over his 32 year artistic history. &nbsp;Mr Rice will also present an open storytime from 10:00am-10:30am. &nbsp;Don't miss this unique opportunity to memorialize your child's sweet face for all time.</p> <p><strong>Details:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Saturday February 4th 10:00 am - 1:00 pm</li> <li>Open Storytime from&nbsp;10:00am - 10:30am</li> <li>BFPK Greenville -&nbsp;3620 Pelham Road, Greenville SC 29615</li> <li>By Reservation ONLY&nbsp;864-284-0920</li> <li>$42 for two copies of portrait</li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-24271" style="float: left;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/Girl08003.jpg" alt="Girl08003" width="300" height="300" /></p> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> urn:store:1:blog:post:15 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/romina-silva-new-year-sale Romina & Silva New Year Sale <p>We are pleased to announce a wonderful New Year Sale on the TOP OF THE LINE furniture collections from Romina and Silva furniture. &nbsp;These European produced furniture collections feature the highest quality construction details and finishes. &nbsp;If you can imagine it... it is possible. &nbsp;Romina Products feature solid beech wood construction, hydraulic self closing drawer systems and stunning finishes. &nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>In-Store sale for the New Year:</h2> <ul> <li>All Romina and Silva products are 15% off. &nbsp;</li> <li>Additional incentives include FREE toddler rail if purchasing a Crib. &nbsp;</li> <li>Purchase of Crib and Dresser - receive FREE adult conversion kit ($250 value) &nbsp;</li> <li>Purchase of Crib, Dresser and Chest (or similar pieces) receive FREE toddler rail, FREE Adult Conversion Kit and FREE crib mattress (up to $700 value).</li> <li> <h3>Sale is in-store only. &nbsp;Sale ends January 9, 2017</h3> </li> </ul> <h2>Call stores for quotes and availability:</h2> <ul> <li>Columbia 803.788.5880</li> <li>Greenville 864.284.0920</li> <li>Charlotte 704.323.8000</li> </ul> <h2>BROWSE SOME PRODUCTS:</h2> <div id="three_across_image_tab"> <p><a href="traditional-crib-upholstered-ends"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/romina/PRODUCT IMAGES - SQUARE/ANTONIO-CLEOPATRA-TRADITIONAL.jpg" alt="ANTONIO CLEOPATRA" width="600" height="600" /></a></p> <p>Romina's Traditional Upholstered</p> </div> <div id="three_across_image_tab"> <p><a href="edison"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/romina/PRODUCT IMAGES - SQUARE/EDISON-WHITE-CRIB-ROOM.jpg" alt="Sophia Edison White" width="600" height="600" /></a></p> <p>Silva - Edison White</p> </div> <div id="three_across_image_tab"> <p><a href="ventianni"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/romina/PRODUCT IMAGES - SQUARE/ventianni-double-beauty-2.jpg" alt="Ventianni Double Dresser" width="600" height="600" /></a></p> <p>Romina's Ventianni Dresser</p> </div> <div id="three_across_image_tab"> <p><a href="serena"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/romina/PRODUCT IMAGES - SQUARE/SERENA-FLINT-CRIB.jpg" alt="Serena Flint" width="600" height="600" /></a></p> <p>Sophia - Serena Collection Flint</p> </div> urn:store:1:blog:post:14 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/color-of-the-year-2017 Color of the Year - 2017 <p><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/color of the year/Pantone_Color_of_the_Year_2017_shop_Pantone_Swatch_Cards.jpg" alt="pantone color of the year 2017 Greenery" width="300" height="300" />Every year the team over at Pantone evaluates design trends and color on a global scale and hand us a prediction of the "Color of the Year". &nbsp;In years past we have seen the bold 'chili pepper red' become a trend in bunk beds at the same time as that color was announced. &nbsp;In 2010 we saw 'turquoise' take hold and soft goods including bedding for nurseries and kids' rooms all got decked out in bright and fun turquoise patterns and designs. &nbsp;This year the good folks chose a lovely shade of green - "greenery"</p> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <h2>What can we expect to see in the world of Kids'&nbsp;Stuff from "GREENERY"</h2> <p><a href="romina"><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/color of the year/552216_493724027318122_1935453701_n.jpg" alt="Romina Green dressing bench accented with gold" width="400" height="226" /></a>Well a powerful and bold color like "Greenery" is not likely to be found as a primary finish on furniture goods. &nbsp;However, A muted version is available from <a href="romina">Romina Furniture</a>&nbsp;to bring the feeling of this vibrant color into furnishings. &nbsp;Bringing the intensity of this color down a bit for large scale items might be a good approach. &nbsp;Pantone's choice of this palette is evocoative of nature and spring and rebirth, concepts and ideals that are perfect for decor in any kid's room.</p> <p>In reality we are more likely to see this color brought into bedding and artwork designs throughout the industry.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div id="three_across_image_tab"> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/color of the year/bedding 1.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="1000" /></p> <p>Custom Bedding with "Greenery"</p> </div> <div id="three_across_image_tab"> <p><a href="four-seasons"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/color of the year/chair.jpg" alt="Fourseasons Slipcovered Glider in 'greenery&quot;" width="1000" height="1000" /></a></p> <p><a href="four-seasons">FourSeasons </a>Glider&nbsp;</p> </div> <div id="three_across_image_tab"> <p><a href="kyle-28x40"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/color of the year/frog picture.jpg" alt="bright green artwork kyle" width="1000" height="1000" /></a></p> <p><a href="kyle-28x40">Kyle&nbsp;</a>from our&nbsp;<a href="artwork">Art Collection</a></p> </div> <div id="three_across_image_tab"> <p><a href="zoli"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/color of the year/zoli.jpg" alt="Zoli Green products" width="1000" height="1000" /></a></p> <p><a href="zoli">Zoli </a>Products in "Greenery"</p> </div> <div id="three_across_image_tab"> <p><a href="mini-happy-mat-ez-pz"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/color of the year/ezpz mat.jpg" alt="ezpz lime happy mat mini" width="1000" height="1000" /></a></p> <p><a href="mini-happy-mat-ez-pz">Mini Happy Mat</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="ez-pz">EzPz</a></p> </div> <div id="three_across_image_tab"> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/color of the year/bedding 3.jpg" alt="custom bedding and accessories" width="1000" height="1000" /></p> <p>Custom Bedding w/ "Greenery"</p> </div> <div id="three_across_image_tab"> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/color of the year/bedding 2.jpg" alt="simple white and green bedding" width="1000" height="1000" /></p> <p>Simple white and 'greenery'</p> </div> <div id="three_across_image_tab"> <p><a href="foonf-by-clek"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/color of the year/clek foonf.jpg" alt="clek carseat in tank/dragonfly" width="1000" height="1000" /></a></p> <p><a href="foonf-by-clek">Clek's Seats in Tank &amp; Dragonfly</a></p> </div> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <div class="videoWrapper"> <blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">PANTONE 15-0343 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Greenery?src=hash">#Greenery</a> is the PANTONE <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ColoroftheYear?src=hash">#ColoroftheYear</a> selection for 2017 💚🌱 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Greenery?src=hash">#Greenery</a> symbolizes reconnection we seek with nature &amp; all. <a href="https://t.co/DwRyZ80cg1">pic.twitter.com/DwRyZ80cg1</a></p> &mdash; PANTONE (@pantone) <a href="https://twitter.com/pantone/status/806877204042878976">December 8, 2016</a></blockquote> <script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> </div> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <p>No matter how you choose to bring this vibrant new color way into your life, you should expect it to bring some fun and energy to 2017..... which we could all use</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:13 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/the-world-of-nuna-baby-gear The World of Nuna Baby Gear <p>Nuna baby gear products have taken the US market by storm and everyone wants to know the who, why, and how of this amazing new brand that seems to have just popped up. I was lucky enough to attend the first Nuna USA summit this past week, along with another 10 retailers from all over the US. We were joined by the President of Nuna USA and several of the Global team members to discuss this amazing brand and their drive to provide the most well engineered and tastefully designed product in the world.</p> <h2>Who is Nuna?</h2> <p>Nuna is not the little up-start that they are often thought of. The brand is a division of one of the largest car-seat and gear manufactures in the world, accounting for nearly 1/3 of the entire global production of infant and children' carseats. The Nuna brand is just one portion of this global powerhouse. As a manufacture for more than thirty years, they decided to take their significant knowledge and expertise and roll out a brand of products that merged high fashion, the ultimate in safety, and simple clean design. Most gear producers take a solitary focus and run with either high design or safety or fashion. These products are usually touted as 'best of this' or 'best of that' but never excel in all three arenas. Nuna is different. Nuna thinks that you can achieve the safest and most reliable products without sacrificing the design of the product.</p> <p>The people that make up the Nuna team are surprising. Because the team was hand picked from a roster of professionals steeped in history in infant gear manufacturing, design, engineering, and marketing. The team roster reads like a who's who of the industry. As an example, the Global Textile executive has a 15 year history choosing and programming the fabric selections of Graco (one of the largest US producers). She left for the opportunity to create something dynamic and different than any products on the market. Her story is amazing, and we hope to bring you some more information and possibly an interview about her process in the future. As an example of the dedication to the product, she told us a story of the long process of perfecting the exact color of the fabrics on the Pipa Carseat by actual hand dying fabric swatches until the perfect color is reached. What looks like just a tan colored fabric takes months to years to facilitate because the fabric is tested and produced to be free of toxins and chemicals (oeko tex certified) and the color study takes equally as long. Then the fabrics actually have to stand up to the rigors and stresses of ruff-n-tumble lifestyles. Lastly the textiles have to feel good. This is no easy task and Nuna is excelling.</p> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/crash-test-300x199.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="199" />The resources they have available are some of the best. Testing safety and security is vital for gear products. There are so many different standards globally that manufactures struggle to address all the different international, national, regional and even province or state requirements. NOT Nuna. They own their own testing facility including a full fledged crash simulator. By the time the products go to independent lab testing for certification they have been tested and improved and retested multiple times. Every buckle, strap, adjustment and clip are there to create the safest and most highly engineered products around.</p> <h2>Elevating The World of Nuna Baby Gear</h2> <p>When you touch and feel the product you know you are seeing something different: A high chair that holds 225 pounds easily but has the visual of a sleek modern barstool, a nursery swing/bouncer that can double as your 10 year old's gaming chair, a carseat that installs in seconds yet withstands the harshest of testing standards and elevates safety approaches that the rest of the world is quickly copying to catch up to. Touching and feeling these products speaks volumes about the commitment to safety and quality. Many of the products have also been awarded the most prestigious design awards on the globe including the coveted RedDot. There really is not a single brand of baby essentials on the market that is more flushed out with quality, safety, aesthetics, and taste than those of Nuna. We are proud to be a partner of this amazing line.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:12 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/oh-sugar-my-kid-is-a-potty-mouth Oh Sugar! My Kid is a potty mouth <p><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/POTTY MOUTH/46928_10201158507539240_520359196_n.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" />Every parent under the sun goes through this horrible period somewhere between 18 months and 4 years wherein their lovely, sweet, and perfect baby finds out 'potty words' get noticed. I remember a two year old cousin stomping around the room one Christmas singing "Sh*t, Sh*t, Sh*t, Sh*t, Sh*t, Sh*t, Sh*t, Sh*t....." What in the world is a parent to do with this?</p> <h3>Ignore it?</h3> <p>Well this just might be the best approach if it seems like an isolated incident of mimicry and development. Very young toddlers will pick up on sounds and words and try them out. Often it is just part of the development of the skills used to incorporate language into their daily lives. New words, fun sounds, and constructions that have a good 'mouth feel' make for common repeated phrases and words. The newly tested word will be abandoned shortly for a new one and your life will move forward.</p> <p>A side note on this: To this day the phrase, &lsquo;Mecca Lecca High Mecca Hiney Ho!&rsquo; plays over and over in my brain.... damn you pee wee herman!</p> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <h3><br /><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/POTTY MOUTH/Dot-Com.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="392" />Redirect it?</h3> <p>Sometimes that lovely 'mouth feel' of a word can get stuck and becomes a bit of a habit. The little mirrors, that are our children, pick up on some of our worst behaviors. When handled appropriately a simple redirection can accomplish quite a bit of good. Three and four year olds often want to be oppositional and test limits, but, for the most part, like to please their parents. If you can time the discussion correctly (NOT right after the child drops an F*bomb in the grocery store which reinforces the behavior) you can redirect the behavior. It needs to be communicated clearly that their choice to use that word wasn't the right behavior and is dissapointing. This should be done at some time after but not so far down the road they cannot remember the actual behavior. Like maybe in the car on the way home.</p> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <h3><br /><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/POTTY MOUTH/Christmas-Story-Soap.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="195" />Punish It?</h3> <p>At a certain point all kids will do stuff just to push your buttons and the limits of the relationship. It is completely natural and part of their development. You want your child to question the rules in life. You want them to grow and thrive and test the boundaries. How else would we have ever made it to the moon or invented the iPhone or thought to put bacon into a chocolate sundae? HOWEVER, part of pushing boundaries and testing the function of the world is to suffer a few consequences in breaking the "rules". Jumping out of a tree to see if you can fly (ill-advised behavior, by the way) has the consequence of hitting the ground. AND the foul-mouthed kindergarten student is going to have some pretty major consequences for you as a parent and your child too. Set realistic limits and clear consequences of the behavior. Time outs, loss of favorite toy, loss of desert, loss of story time, etc. If all else fails, pull a Lifebouy like poor ole Ralphie.</p> <h4>Tell us about your favorite "potty mouth moment" in the comments below. We would love to hear about it. At least we can all laugh together, out of earshot of your 'foul mouthed toddler' :)</h4> urn:store:1:blog:post:11 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/design-trends-2016 Design Trends 2016 <p><img class="alignright wp-image-24973" style="float: right;" src="/babyfurn/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/design trends 2016/design-trends-2016.png" alt="2016 Design Trends include washed finishes, structural finishing, coastal cottage design and a return to ultra feminine looks" width="200" height="200" />Every once in awhile our industry takes an about face. &nbsp;It appears that 2016 is one of those years. &nbsp;The design trends for kids' rooms are super strong and really drastic shift from the past few years. &nbsp;Everything feels new and fresh and there are lots of great options for just about anyone's taste. &nbsp;The largest trends are in finishes (washed and beautiful grain revealing stains), structural finishing techniques, Coastal Cottage designs, and a return to the ultra feminine and soft looks of yesteryear.<img class="wp-more-tag mce-wp-more" title="Read more..." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" alt="" data-wp-more="more" data-wp-more-text="" data-mce-resize="false" data-mce-placeholder="1" /></p> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2>Finish Reigns Supreme in Design Trends:</h2> <p><img class="alignright wp-image-24951" style="float: right;" src="/babyfurn/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/design trends 2016/design-trends.png" alt="design trends 2016 flat gray going away - Flat gray paint trending away in favor of multi-dimensional finishes" width="451" height="338" /></p> <p>Your basic dark espresso finish seems to be just about done in. &nbsp;This super-dark stain is quickly being replaced with rich tones of cherry, brown, caramel, chocolate and other wood tones that are a bit warmer. The flat simple gray painted furniture is just not cutting it any longer. &nbsp;We are seeing the gray finishes continue to be a force but the finishes are richer than a year ago. &nbsp;Grays are multidimensional finishes now with rich undertones rather than just a simple gray paint. &nbsp;Gray stains that show the wood grain are leading the pack. &nbsp;This trend is evident from the fantastic new finishes <a href="http://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/romina/">Romina</a> and <a href="http://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/silva/">Silva</a> have just released (washed gray, oiled gray, flint). &nbsp;<a href="http://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/stella-furniture/">Stella</a> Furniture also has a beautiful gray with lots of depth on their <a href="http://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/shop/trinity-chateau-gray/">Trinity</a> Collection, called Chateau Gray.</p> <hr /> <p><img class="alignright wp-image-24950" style="float: right;" src="/babyfurn/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/design trends 2016/design-trends3.png" alt="design trends bright white" width="450" height="338" /></p> <p>White finishes are also moving away from the everyday bright white paint so traditionally present in nurseries. &nbsp;Everyone wanted that sharp bright white color, often citing the 'purity' of the color for nurseries. &nbsp;However we are seeing more dynamic white finishes coming on strong. Whites are getting creamier and in some cases are, like the grays, becoming stains that the grain shows through. Again <a href="http://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/romina/">Romina </a>and <a href="http://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/silva/">Silva </a>are leading this trend, but Dolce Babi has released two incredible groups with alternatives to the traditional white. &nbsp;<a href="http://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/shop/lucca-convertible-crib/">Lucca </a>is a scraped white and is spot on on multiple trends including the 'coastal cottage' and structural finish trends (see below) The other <a href="http://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/dolce-babi/">Dolce Babi </a>Collection is Angelina featuring a <a href="http://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/shop/angelina-youth-bed/">rich cream</a> and stunning <a href="http://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/shop/angelina-pearl-convertible/">pearlized</a> finish that is leading the pack on feminine grace.</p> <h2>Structural Finishes in Design Trends:</h2> <div class="mceTemp"><dl id="attachment_24964" class="wp-caption alignright"><dt class="wp-caption-dt"><img class="wp-image-24964 size-large" style="float: right;" src="/babyfurn/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/design trends 2016/nerva-silver-frost-1000x600.jpg" alt="Nerva Collection from Romina in a structural scraped finish (silver frost) revealing the visual and tactile expression of the wood grain. Exemplifying some of the 2016 Design Trends in home decor" width="450" height="270" /></dt><dd class="wp-caption-dd">Nerva Collection from Romina in a structural scraped finish (silver frost) revealing the visual and tactile expression of the wood grain</dd></dl></div> <p>Wood is truly a gift and amazing things can be done with it in constructing furnishings. &nbsp;The newest in design trends with respect to wood is allowing the grain pattern to not only become visual but tactile as well. &nbsp;'Scraped' finishes are the end result of some new technology in wood work.</p> <div class="mceTemp"><dl id="attachment_24966" class="wp-caption alignright"><dt class="wp-caption-dt"><img class="wp-image-24966 size-large" src="/babyfurn/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/design trends 2016/romina-washed-gray-and-driftwood-1000x815.jpg" alt="Design Trends 2016 - washed gray finish mixed with the structural finish Driftwood from Romina Furniture. Scraped Driftwood finish reveals the texture of the wood grain in a pattern you can see as well as feel" width="450" height="367" /></dt><dd class="wp-caption-dd">Romina's Ventianni with Washed Gray and Driftwood combination - two design trends in one glorious dresser</dd></dl></div> <p>Wood grows with an annual ring pattern, as you know from 2nd grade biology. &nbsp;Well these rings represent softer and denser wood grains. &nbsp;Our wonderful manufactures have found that using certain tools and machines on the surface of the wood, they can selectively scrape or carve out the softer pieces and leave the denser grain intact. &nbsp;This same thing happens when a piece of wood floats around the beach being tumbled by the surf. &nbsp;The sand and water selectively remove the softer grained wood from the surface and the resulting flotsam is rough and detailed. &nbsp;This 'scraping' technique is now becoming commonplace in the furniture industry, releasing the glorious patterns of grain and natural beauty of the wood into a physically tangible structure. &nbsp;These beautiful finish techniques are throughout both nursery design and big kid's furniture. &nbsp;Some highlights: the new driftwood finish from Dolce Babi on both the <a href="http://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/shop/naples-driftwood-crib/">Naples </a>and Maximo collections. <a href="http://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/new-energy-bedrooms/">Highlands Driftwood</a> and Highlands Espresso from New Energy for big kid youth furniture also has some of this fantastic finishing. But the runaway star of the show is from Romina. &nbsp;They have taken their absolutely beautiful Beech wood product and worked it like no other. &nbsp;The finish is velvety soft but hand carved and scraped with deep grooves. &nbsp;The scraped wood is then finished in two different colors to accentuate the details and the result is stunning beyond words.</p> <h2>Coastal Cottage Design Trends:</h2> <div class="mceTemp"><dl id="attachment_24357" class="wp-caption alignright"><dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/shop/product-category/cribs/dolce-babi/lucca/"><img class="wp-image-24357 size-large" src="/babyfurn/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/design trends 2016/lucca-weathered-gray-tradional-crib-room-view-1000x656.png" alt="Lucca Collection -Weathered Gray - design trends" width="450" height="295" /></a></dt><dd class="wp-caption-dd">Lucca collection - hitting multiple design trends with a structural finish, coastal cottage design and richer gray finish</dd></dl></div> <p>The Coastal Cottage design&nbsp;approach &nbsp;is reflective of a shift from the ultra modern looks of the past few years. &nbsp;Designers are looking for comfortable and accessible looks that compliment a return to home design that is 'homey' and 'warm'. &nbsp;This goes hand in hand with the finish story above but is all about the bed and dresser design. &nbsp;Paneled headboards, metal elements, shuttered doors, simple silhouettes and rich warm finishes are what set this look apart. &nbsp;Two new introductions are clearly designed with this aesthetic in mind.</p> <p>The stunning Lucca collection from Dolce Babi takes it's cues from what one would expect to see in a coastal town in the Northeast. &nbsp;It reminds me of something you would find in an old home on the coast of Maine; weathered finishes, metal accents and graceful design. Lucca offers both <a href="http://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/shop/product-category/cribs/dolce-babi/lucca/">nursery </a>and <a href="http://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/dolce-youth/">youth </a>collections.</p> <div class="mceTemp"><dl id="attachment_24602" class="wp-caption alignright"><dt class="wp-caption-dt"><img class="wp-image-24602 size-large" src="/babyfurn/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/design trends 2016/driftwood-park-vanilla-oak-crib-room-1000x662.png" alt="driftwood park collection on the Coastal Cottage design trends" width="450" height="298" /></dt><dd class="wp-caption-dd">Driftwood Park Collection from Stone and Leigh - Coastal Cottage trend</dd></dl></div> <p>The second introduction is from Stone and Leigh. &nbsp;Stone and Leigh (the youth division of Stanley Furniture) has recently launched and brought their interpretation of Coastal Living to youth and nursery design. &nbsp;The "Driftwood Park' collection features paneled headboards in both <a href="http://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/shop/driftwood-park-crib-vanilla-oak/">cribs </a>and <a href="http://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/shop/driftwood-park-beds-vanilla-oak/">beds</a>, a metal cup pull and two warm finishes. &nbsp;The entire collection reminds one of something from the beach communities of the South East.</p> <p>These relaxed looks are not just for water adjacent&nbsp;homes. &nbsp;The relaxed comfortable design and warmth of these groups make them an accessible design for any home.</p> <h2>Ultra Feminine and Blinged Out Design Trends</h2> <div class="mceTemp"><dl id="attachment_24957" class="wp-caption alignright"><dt class="wp-caption-dt"><img class="wp-image-24957 size-large" src="/babyfurn/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/design trends 2016/pantone-colors-2016-1000x666.jpg" alt="design trends colors for 2016 rose quartz and serenity" width="450" height="300" /></dt><dd class="wp-caption-dd">Pantone 2016 Colors of the Year for 2016 Rose Quartz and Serenity</dd></dl></div> <p>Softer colors, feminine details and lots of sparkle are certainly making a return to nursery and big kid room decor.&nbsp;Girly stuff never really disappeared, but it certainly wasn't mainstream. Most color trends start in fashion and work their way down to home decor over time. The ubiquitous chevron pattern and the predominance of turquoise/aqua colors all started in fashion before hitting the furnishings world. &nbsp;<a href="http://www.pantone.com/color-of-the-year-2016">Pantone recently named a light pink and light baby blue to the colors of the year </a>.</p> <hr /> <div class="mceTemp"><dl id="attachment_24976" class="wp-caption alignright"><dt class="wp-caption-dt"><img class="wp-image-24976" src="/babyfurn/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/design trends 2016/sophia-linen-bedding-design.png" alt="2016 design trends soft pink makes a return accented with fabrics displaying a slight sheen in creams and neutrals. Of course some sparkly knobs as well" width="450" height="450" /></dt><dd class="wp-caption-dd">Soft and shimmery pinks and creams return, with some bling as well</dd></dl></div> <p>These softer colors represent a shift from the rich coral and aqua palettes that have dominated kids' rooms and nursery decor over the past few years and are a welcome change.</p> <p>We expect to see more soft hues in a variety of fabrics make their way to both kid's rooms and nursery decor. We are seeing pinks paired with soft creams, fabrics with a bit of a sheen, and lots of sparkly knobs.</p> <hr /> <div class="mceTemp"><dl id="attachment_24322" class="wp-caption alignright"><dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/shop/angelina-pearl-convertible/"><img class="wp-image-24322 size-large" src="/babyfurn/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/design trends 2016/DB_ANGLA_FPCRIB_PEARL_RS_final-1000x751.png" alt="Design Trends - ultra feminine Angelina collection - delicate carved details and a pearlized white finish make this on trend with kid's room designs in more than one way" width="450" height="338" /></a></dt><dd class="wp-caption-dd">Design Trends - ultra feminine Angelina collection - delicate carved details and a pearlized white finish make this on trend with kid's room designs in more than one way</dd></dl></div> <p>Angelina from Dolce Babi and Kids is a perfect example of this trend in furnishings. &nbsp;The delicate carved flowers and details throughout the line appear to be the antithesis of the sleek modern looks that were so prevalent over the past 5 years. &nbsp;<a href="http://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/shop/angelina-youth-bed/">For older kids and teens </a>this collection offers twin and full beds with reversible upholstered and tufted headboard. &nbsp;The finishes on this collection are cream or pearl and tie in beautifully with the delicate feminine design of the collection and the trend away from bright white for girls.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:10 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/daddy-c-go-gaga-diaper-bags-best-class Daddy & Co. bring back the Go Gaga Diaper Bag <h3>When does a diaper bag become something more akin to a lifestyle accessory rather than than just a diaper bag?</h3> <p>Well, when it is a fantastic piece of well constructed apparel that makes toting around a bunch of stuff effortless and easy. It has to be style neutral and feature rich. It would also be a good idea that this bag be constructed to withstand the rigors of both travel and poopies.<br />If you are looking for such a bag&hellip; look no further and check out the Slider and Messenger totes from Daddy &amp; Co.<br />Recently Daddy &amp; Co. procured the licence and the patent on the Go Gaga diaper bag line. These bags were pulled from the market a few years ago to the horror and sadness of millions of moms. Restructuring and changes to the buyers at several major big box stores (Buy Buy Baby and Babies R Us) led to a product flow issue for the original designer and she shelved the product to pursue another career path. But the industry and many moms were devastated. Seriously, to this day, I see four and five year old versions of these bags on the shoulders of industry persons as they move about trade shows and travel to events in our industry, even after being off the market for three years. And you will still find people searching for the bags online.<br />Why would the industry people still carry a 4 year old bag around when they don&rsquo;t have children in need of diapering and can get just about any bag on the market for their use? Well, it is pretty simple&hellip;. this bag rocks.</p> <h2><br /><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/Gaga-Slide-in-Olive.jpg" alt="olive messenger bag" width="225" height="302" />It is all about the strap:</h2> <p>First up is the patent. The bags feature a patented strap that disperses the weight of whatever is in the bag across your shoulder and back. You think you understand that this might be nice but until you actually put on a fully loaded bag and feel the difference this strap makes you will not grasp how revolutionary this strap really is. You will be blown away. The strap was designed with an eye to appropriate ergonomics. When a parent is carrying a heavy bag with a thin strap (even 2 and 3 inch straps are thin compared to this) the weight of the bag creates a lot of pressure on the shoulder and back and neck. We have all had this experience. Ever notice people in the airport transferring their bag from one shoulder to the other over and over as they walk down to the gate. A thin strap with a lot of weight just hurts. This strap alleviates most of the pressure and you find this bag comfortable from empty to full of heavy items. Recently I took this bag on a trip and loaded it down: two ipads, two 1 liter bottles of water (over 4 pounds of water), an air plane pillow, a large camera, two iphones, chargers for all of the above, two sets of large over ear headphones, a kindle, 2 books, and more. Seriously this bag was loaded to about 14 pounds, and it was comfortable throughout a long day of traveling.</p> <h2><br /><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/stylish-messenger-bag.jpg" alt="sling diaperbag in black" width="225" height="299" />Beyond the Strap:</h2> <p><br />These bags are produced by the same factory that makes much of the Patagonia product. So you find great attention to construction detail and the materials are wonderful. Every seam is finished and everything just feels like quality throughout. The bags are designed and constructed to last for years of abuse and people tend to repurpose them beyond just a diaper bag.<br />The styling is simple and ergonomic and modern. You will not find big trendy patterns or graphics all over these bags. They look like what a modern mom in a urban center would use, not what someone takes to the country club to show off their &lsquo;trendy taste&rsquo;. These bags are about function, use and longevity, not to display your knowledge of the difference between an icat and a damask.<br />Both the sling and the messenger totes feature exterior INSULATED bottle pockets. The design is so that a bottle can be reached easily but remain secure in the bag. I can easily fit a 1 liter bottle in each of the exterior pockets. Ice cold water in these bottles doesn&rsquo;t sweat all over the contents of the bag and the water stays quite cold throughout the day. A couple of baby bottles will be a breeze to secure in the deep pockets. I&rsquo;ve even seen a wine bottle or two being toted in these pockets. The inside of the bags are full of nice dividers and each of the bags also ships with a padded changer pad and a wipe holder.</p> <h2><br />The big picture</h2> <p><br />The Go Gaga bags by Daddy &amp; Co are designed with function in mind. If you are looking for something to save your shoulders, provide great storage and features, easily adapt to babies and work and travel, something your husband will use and want for himself and something constructed to withstand the stressors of living in a modern world you should do yourself a favor and check them out. If all you want is a cute diaper bag to show off at the country club: don&rsquo;t bother.<br /><br /></p> <p><a href="daddy-company">BROWSE THE BAGS</a></p> <p><a href="daddy-company"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/dipaer bags.jpg" alt="daddy and company ergonomic diaper bags" width="600" height="260" /></a></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:9 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/fall-glider-sale Fall Glider Sale <p>It is fall and the cool breezes are beginning to blow.... it is also time to start getting the ducks in a row for the nursery glider before the Holiday Season starts. We have A FEW great opportunities for the next few weeks...</p> <h2><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-25565" style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/DEVONSHIRE.png" alt="devonshire" width="300" height="300" />Devonshire Wing-Back Glider</h2> <p>The&nbsp;Lovely modern wingback glider with a tufted back has taken our store by storm. &nbsp;This is the perfect scale chair and style for most any nursery, be it modern or traditional. &nbsp;We adore this chair and have worked out a special event pricing on it.</p> <ul> <li>Take $100 off ANY Devonshire&nbsp;glider ordered between 10/19/2016 and 11/132016</li> <li>Add an ottoman and receive an additional $50 discount for a total of $150 off the pair</li> <li>Choose ANY active fabric combination (including options for contrast welt - upcharges might apply).</li> <li>Special order combinations ship in 5-6 weeks.</li> <li>Cannot be combined with other offers</li> <li>Discount not transferable to other products or on previously completed orders</li> <li>EXTENDED THROUGH&nbsp;11/28/16</li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2><img class="alignright wp-image-25550 size-medium" style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/amsterdam-room.png" alt="amsterdam-room" width="300" height="300" /></h2> <h2>Amsterdam Recliner/Glider Sale</h2> <p>The Amsterdam Recliner Glider from Storytime Series is our number one glider/recliner. &nbsp;It features an inside the arm release mechanism for the recline which makes engaging the recliner much easier than those chairs you have to reach around to engage. &nbsp;The Amsterdam also features a plush blown hollowfill back for a highly comfortable seat during long hours rocking a new baby.</p> <ul> <li>Take $125 off ANY Amsterdam recliner glider ordered between 10/19/2016 and 11/132016</li> <li>Add an ottoman and receive an additional $50 discount for a total of $175 off the pair</li> <li>Choose ANY active fabric combination (including options for contrast welt - upcharges might apply).</li> <li>Special order combinations ship in 5-6 weeks.</li> <li>Stock chair (natural with white contrast welt) is available for immediate delivery while supplies last.</li> <li>Cannot be combined with other offers</li> <li>Discount not transferable to other products or on previously completed orders</li> <li>EXTENDED THROUGH&nbsp;11/28/16</li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-25549" style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/fourseasons-sale.png" alt="fourseasons-sale" width="300" height="300" />Four Seasons Slip-covered Gliders</h2> <p>Four Seasons seating makes some of the most spectacular seating options available in the US today. &nbsp;Chairs feature fantastic warranty on construction. &nbsp;Options for machine washable covers allow easy cleanup of spills and stains. &nbsp;Over 250 fabrics. &nbsp;Option for Down Filled cushions and standard resilient seat at no additional charge.</p> <ul> <li>Take $125 off ANY Slipcover Glider ordered between 10/19/2016 and 11/13/2016</li> <li>Add an ottoman and receive an additional $75 discount for a total of $200 off the pair</li> <li>Choose any active fabric combination (including options for contrast welt) - up-charges for fabric grade might apply</li> <li>Special order chairs ship in 10-12 weeks</li> <li>Cannot be combined with other offers</li> <li>Discount not transferable to other products or on previously completed orders</li> <li>EXTENDED THROUGH&nbsp;11/28/16</li> </ul> urn:store:1:blog:post:8 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/clay-rice-portraits-nov-17-2016 Clay Rice Portraits - November 17 2016 <p><img class="alignright wp-image-24272" style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/ClayHappyCustomer.jpg" alt="ClayHappyCustomer" width="450" height="335" />Renowned artist, <a href="http://ricegalleries.com/bio.html" target="_blank">Clay Rice</a>, will be at the Charlotte&nbsp;Showroom Thursday November 17th from 3pm-6pm. &nbsp;There are limited number of sittings for these incredible Silhouette Portraits. &nbsp;Each appointment is 5 minutes and the personalized hand cut portrait goes home with you that day (2 copies in fact). &nbsp;Mr Rice is well known and produced some 900,000 portraits over his 32 year artistic history. &nbsp;Mr Rice will also present an open storytime from 3:00pm-3:30pm. &nbsp;Don't miss this unique opportunity to memorialize your child's sweet face for all time. <strong>Details:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Thursday 11.17.2016 from 3:00 pm - 6:00pm</li> <li>Open Storytime from 3:00 - 3:30pm</li> <li>BFPK Charlotte - 800 Clanton Road, Charlotte NC 28217</li> <li>By Reservation ONLY&nbsp;704-323-8000</li> <li>$42 for two copies of portrait</li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-24271" style="float: left;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/Girl08003.jpg" alt="Girl08003" width="300" height="300" /></p> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> urn:store:1:blog:post:7 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/thanksgiving-2016-sale Thanksgiving 2016 Sale <p>Thank goodness this Election is over and we can get back to the more important things.... raising children and creating wonderful places for them to grow up. &nbsp;We are ready and have a ton of great opportunities for our IN STORE Thanksgiving Sale:</p> <h2><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/thanksgiving-romina-square.png" alt="" width="300" height="300" />Romina &amp; Silva Rail Event</h2> <p>The top of the line furniture collections from Romina and Siva Furniture are all on sale through 11.28.2016. &nbsp;Romina features solid beech wood construction and exquisite finishes and detailing. &nbsp;Silva offers beech wood construction with simple refined styling and elegance.</p> <ul> <li> <h3>15% OFF all Romina and Silva&nbsp;Products</h3> </li> <li> <h3>FREE - toddler rail ($175 value) with purchase of any Silva or Romina Crib</h3> </li> <li> <h3>FREE - adult conversion kit&nbsp;(up to $375 value) with purchase of any Silva or Romina Crib plus a Silva or Romina Dresser</h3> </li> <li> <h3>FREE - toddler rail, FREE adult conversion kit and FREE Changer top (up to $830 value) with purchase of any Silva or Romina Crib with matching Dresser and Chest</h3> </li> <li> <h3>30% Deposits and 3 months to pick up</h3> </li> <li> <h3>12 Month Financing available</h3> </li> <li> <h3>5 year accident protection available and recommended on all furniture purchases</h3> </li> <li> <h3>Sale &nbsp;ENDS 11.28.16</h3> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/thanksgiving-bd-square.png" alt="" width="300" height="300" />FREE CRIBS from Baby's Dream</h2> <p>Baby's Dream is offering a great opportunity to get FREE crib with purchase</p> <ul> <li> <h3>Buy any Baby's Dream Dresser and get matching crib for 50% OFF</h3> </li> <li> <h3>Buy any Baby's Dream Dresser and Chest - get matching crib for FREE</h3> </li> <li> <h3>Add adult conversion kit - get FREE crib mattress</h3> </li> <li> <h3>10% Deposits and 3 months to pick up</h3> </li> <li> <h3>12 Month Financing available</h3> </li> <li> <h3>5 year accident protection available and recommended on all furniture purchases</h3> </li> <li> <h3>Sale &nbsp;ENDS 11.28.16</h3> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/thanksgiving-kensington-square.png" alt="" width="300" height="300" />30% OFF Kensington Collection</h2> <ul> <li> <h3>All Kensington Collection pieces are 30% OFF</h3> </li> <li> <h3>Crib + Dresser package starts at $769.99</h3> </li> <li> <h3>Add adult conversion kit - get FREE crib mattress</h3> </li> <li> <h3>10% Deposits and 3 months to pick up</h3> </li> <li> <h3>12 Month Financing available</h3> </li> <li> <h3>5 year accident protection available and recommended on all furniture purchases</h3> </li> <li> <h3>Sale &nbsp;ENDS 11.28.16</h3> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/thanksgiving-athena-square.png" alt="" width="300" height="300" />25% OFF all Trinity and Athena</h2> <ul> <li> <h3>All Athena and Trinity Collection pieces are 25% OFF</h3> </li> <li> <h3>Crib + Dresser package starts at $974.98</h3> </li> <li> <h3>Add adult conversion kit - get FREE crib mattress</h3> </li> <li> <h3>10% Deposits and 3 months to pick up</h3> </li> <li> <h3>12 Month Financing available</h3> </li> <li> <h3>5 year accident protection available and recommended on all furniture purchases</h3> </li> <li> <h3>Sale &nbsp;ENDS 11.28.16</h3> </li> </ul> <div style="clear: both;">&nbsp;</div> <hr /> <h2><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/thanksgiving-haven-square.png" alt="" width="300" height="300" />42% OFF Haven Gray</h2> <ul> <li> <h3>All Haven Gray products are 42% OFF</h3> </li> <li> <h3>Crib + Dresser package starts at $694.84</h3> </li> <li> <h3>Add adult conversion kit - get FREE crib mattress</h3> </li> <li> <h3>10% Deposits and 3 months to pick up</h3> </li> <li> <h3>12 Month Financing available</h3> </li> <li> <h3>5 year accident protection available and recommended on all furniture purchases</h3> </li> <li> <h3>Sale &nbsp;ENDS 11.28.16</h3> </li> </ul> urn:store:1:blog:post:2 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/straight-talk-car-seats Straight Talk about Car Seats <p>I&rsquo;ve been selling baby products for a large number of years now. I&rsquo;m starting to see the kids that I originally designed bedding for as an infant come back and they are entering college this year. The Columbia, SC location has been in business for over 35 years so we are now dealing with multiple generations having slept in our cribs or beds. All this experience has taught me something important:&nbsp;<strong>occasionally parents need a reality check</strong>. &nbsp;Parenting is hard: being the ultimate &lsquo;decider&rsquo; for an infant in your care can be overwhelming. &nbsp;There are tons of resources for parents and parents to be. &nbsp;In the age of instant information overload (the internet) it is exhausting trying to process all the information. &nbsp;A while back I wrote a little post,&nbsp;&lsquo;straight talk about safe sleep&rsquo;, to hopefully demystify all the noise out there regarding safe sleep practices. &nbsp;I think it is about time to do the same about an even more important topic: Car Seats</p> <div id="attachment_25186" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="http://www.popsugar.com/moms/Miracle-Car-Accident-Shows-Importance-Car-Seats-38994714#photo-38994714" target="_blank"><img class="wp-image-25186 size-large" style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/Miracle-Car-Accident-Shows-Importance-Car-Seats-1000x563 - Copy 1.jpg" alt="The child survived, uninjured, with help of the carseat." width="450" height="253" data-lazy-loaded="true" /></a> <p class="wp-caption-text">The child survived, uninjured, with help of the carseat.</p> </div> <h2>Car Seats are the #1 Safety Purchase for your child.</h2> <p>There is not a single other product on the market that is required by a hospital for you to exit their doors after giving birth. &nbsp;The evidence is sound, ubitiquous and lengthy: &nbsp;A CHILD IS SAFER IN A PROPERLY USED CAR SEAT. &nbsp;Most people seem to get this with that sweet little infant that can&rsquo;t walk or crawl or talk&hellip;. but the proper use of car seats drops off quickly after those developmental milestones are reached.</p> <h2>Barriers to Proper Use of Car Seats</h2> <p>This little section might be hard for a few of you to read, but you need to hear this again if it pertains to you.</p> <p>The barriers to proper uses of car seats are two fold and pretty simple:</p> <ol> <li>parent is not educated about proper use</li> <li>parent opts out of appropriate use because it is &lsquo;hard&rsquo;</li> </ol> <p>Of the reasons someone is not using a car seat appropriately, only the first is truly acceptable. &nbsp;The second one, where the parent&rsquo;s are opting out&hellip;. well, all we can hope is that continued education, peer pressure and encouragement will change that for those parents. &nbsp;Some of the most common improper uses of carseats and the rationale given by parents are:</p> <div id="attachment_25187" class="wp-caption alignright"><img class="wp-image-25187 size-medium" style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/pouting child.jpg" alt="pouting child" width="300" height="200" data-lazy-loaded="true" /> <p class="wp-caption-text">No pouting, whining, temper tantrums or poor attitude should ever dissuade you from the best practices in safety.</p> </div> <ul> <li><strong>transitioning to forward facing earlier than advised</strong>&nbsp;: &lsquo;they don&rsquo;t like it&rsquo;,&nbsp;&lsquo;so i can see them&rsquo;, &lsquo;their legs will get cramped&rsquo;, etc.</li> <li><strong>transitioning out of 5 point harness before advised</strong>&nbsp;: &lsquo;they don&rsquo;t like it&rsquo;, &lsquo;i needed the seat for a different child&rsquo;, &lsquo;none of their friends use 5 point&rsquo;, etc</li> <li><strong>transitioning to seat belt only without booster:</strong>&nbsp;&lsquo;they don&rsquo;t like it&rsquo;,&rsquo;none of their friends use a booster&rsquo;, &lsquo;they won&rsquo;t have it when they ride with (dad, grandma, aunt sally&hellip;.), etc.</li> </ul> <p>I hope you can see the trend and the absurdity of these rationales for not using a car seat appropriately. &nbsp;In almost every case where we have spoken to a parent that is knowingly misusing a child restraint, they are making the decision because the parent &lsquo;perceives&rsquo; an issue that doesn&rsquo;t exist or they have allowed the child to make the determination about their safety. &nbsp;This is not parenting behavior. &nbsp;The reality of a severely injured (or dead) child versus the parent&rsquo;s perception of a child &lsquo;not liking&rsquo; their car seat seems like an idiot&rsquo;s decision.</p> <h2>Recommended Proper Use of Car Seats:</h2> <p>Up to the age of puberty, children are much more susceptible to injury than the same sized adults. &nbsp;The seats in automobiles and the restraints (seat belts and airbags) are not designed for children. &nbsp;For these reasons there are some recommendations for best practices in automotive car safety:</p> <ul> <li> <div id="attachment_24751" class="wp-caption alignright"><img class="wp-image-24751 size-medium" style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/extended rear facing.jpg" alt="Fllo_ExtendedRF-1" width="300" height="200" data-lazy-loaded="true" /> <p class="wp-caption-text">Rear-facing to 50lbs/43 inches is our recommendation although most states have a &lsquo;2 year&rsquo; law on the books we think longer is better and parents should aim for 4 years.</p> </div> <p>Rear Facing &ndash; in general a child is safer rear-facing as long as possible. &nbsp;The limitation on this seems to be the manufacture&rsquo;s ability to get a seat tested and approved. &nbsp;Currently on the market, are seats that allow extended rear facing up to 50 pounds and/or 43&Prime; in height. &nbsp;In<a href="http://www.carseat.se/the-swedish-rear-facing-car-seat-approach/" target="_blank">Sweden&nbsp;</a>this standard of Rear-facing through age 4 is already in place and they are reporting&nbsp;zero fatality rate for&nbsp;<a href="http://www.carseat.se/the-swedish-rear-facing-car-seat-approach/" target="_blank">children below 6 years of age</a>. &nbsp;Given their success in protecting children, I would expect other countries in Europe to follow suit. &nbsp;There are plenty of rear-facing car seats in the US&nbsp;allowing up to 40 lbs. &nbsp;A handfull of US seats are approaching this from the European standards, including the awesome Clek&nbsp;<a href="http://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/foonf/" target="_blank">Foonf</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/fllo/" target="_blank">Fllo</a>&nbsp;<strong>allowing rear-facing to 50 pounds.</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;Most states in the US are recommending or requiring 2 years rear-facing and we consider this the bare minimum. &nbsp;With options available to rear-face until the age of 4, 50 lbs or 43 inches height, smart parents should opt to this proven strategy for protecting their child. &nbsp;My guess is that there will be new seats hitting the market over the next few years allowing rear-facing upto 60 or more pounds since there is such strong evidence of the protective nature of this position.</p> </li> <li> <div id="attachment_24752" class="wp-caption alignright"><img class="wp-image-24752 size-medium" style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/happy carseat child.jpg" alt="Fllo_signature-1" width="300" height="200" data-lazy-loaded="true" /> <p class="wp-caption-text">forward face in 5&nbsp;point harness up to 65lbs and 5 foot tall.</p> </div> <p>Forward Facing in 5 point Harness &ndash; We recommend keeping a child in 5 point harness as long as physically possible, up to 65 pounds and 5 foot tall. &nbsp;I know there are plenty of adults below 5 foot height that are not in a 5 point harness, but there are significant differences in bone density and development prior to puberty. &nbsp;Spinal injuries are most prevalent in children and pre-adolescents due to<a href="http://sci.washington.edu/info/newsletters/articles/05win_children.asp#common" target="_blank">not being properly restrained in an automobile accident</a>. &nbsp;The five point harness on car seats helps in protecting in an accident and the side impact protection in most full size car seats is also extremely protective and beneficial. &nbsp;Ultimately drawing the line in the sand with a child &ldquo;you can go to Disney in the carseat, or you can stay home&rsquo; might have to&nbsp;occur, but safety is the first concern ALWAYS.</p> </li> <li> <div id="attachment_24770" class="wp-caption alignright"><img class="wp-image-24770 size-medium" style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/happy child booster seat.jpg" alt="oobr booster best in class" width="281" height="300" data-lazy-loaded="true" /> <p class="wp-caption-text">full back booster with side impact protection until 100 pounds or 57&Prime;</p> </div> <p>Use of Booster &ndash; a full back booster with significant side impact protection is recommended for all pre-adolescent children up to 100 pounds and 57&Prime; in height. &nbsp;This can become a battle of wills between parents and children, but ultimately providing the most protective environment for your child to travel in an automobile is the responsibility of the adult in the relationship.</p> </li> </ul> <h2>Final Words and Resources</h2> <p>Unfortunately this was not a &lsquo;lovey-dovey&rsquo; article to write. &nbsp;It might come across as harsh and preachy, for that I am apologetic about the tone, but not the content. &nbsp;We wish you and your family only the safest of journeys through this life and hope to be a resource in evaluating the fun stuff (like art work and custom bedding, etc) as well as the harder stuff like the &lsquo;right car seat&rsquo;. &nbsp;In each of our locations we have multiple CPST (child passenger safety technicians). &nbsp;Each of these individuals have spent multiple hours training and testing&nbsp;to attain this certification. &nbsp;They will be happy to assist you in evaluating the install of your existing car seat. &nbsp;We also offer a selection of, what we consider, the most advanced and safest car seats on the market. &nbsp;The difference between the most technologically advanced carseat on the market and the one that just &lsquo;meets&rsquo; the standards is about $100-$200. &nbsp; $200 dollars is not a little bit of money, but when you are talking about protecting your child for the next 8 years it&nbsp;just doesn&rsquo;t seem like something most people need to skimp on.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:1 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/straight-talk-safe-sleep Straight Talk About Safe Sleep <p>Parents today are faced with a myriad of suggestions and proclamations. &nbsp;So many, in fact, most are petrified to make any decisions. &nbsp;Friends, family, co-workers, pediatricians, gynecologists, websites, facebook, twitter, google search, pinterest, television news, television in general&hellip;. the list of people making suggestions about how you raise your baby is ENDLESS. &nbsp;So we want to tackle this head on in a concise and clear manner.</p> <h2>What is &ldquo;Safe-Sleep&rdquo;</h2> <p>Safe-Sleep is terminology developed by health and safety agencies to address the concerns over the incidence of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and the other child deaths related to sleep situations. &nbsp;The goal of these organizations is to help reduce these deaths by creating a dialog with parents about best practices. &nbsp;It is a huge endeavor and has elicited response from everyone in recent years, including the National Institutes of Health, Consumer Product Safety Commission, MULTIPLE non-profit organizations geared to child health, and a whole bunch of others who have some type of vested interest in the outcome (these tend to be product manufactures that are trying to sell something or sometimes trying to keep you from buying something). &nbsp;The reality is that the message is getting convoluted and hard to understand. &nbsp;Unfortunately in this day and age, people want a simple solution and latch onto a solitary item that might cause or might protect a child from these horrible outcomes. &nbsp;The reality is that protecting your child is actually a continuum of behaviors, any single one not sufficient, but taken in concert can help you avoid a potentially horrible outcome.</p> <h2>SUID vs SIDS</h2> <p>SUID (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death) is relatively new terminology. &nbsp;In the last couple of decades investigators into an infant&rsquo;s death were noticing that what had been termed SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome &ndash; typically unexplained death of an infant under the age of 1) were often cases that could be explained by some other factors. &nbsp;Closer investigations found that the cause of death of many of the children could in fact be determined to be other than &ldquo;unexplained&rdquo; . &nbsp;It looks like only about 1/2 of the unexpected deaths are actually SIDS (un-explainable) and the balance are related to suffocation or strangulation in bed. (see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/sids/">Centers for Disease Control article on SUID</a>). &nbsp;Suffocation and strangulation can be prevented and this is where &ldquo;Safe-Sleep&rdquo; really comes into play.</p> <p>So there are two things at play with safe sleep.</p> <ol><ol> <li>Things that contribute to Suffocation and Strangulation</li> <li>Things that contribute to SIDS</li> </ol></ol> <h2>Suffocation and Strangulation</h2> <p>One of the biggest culprits in these deaths is the improper environment. &nbsp;&lsquo;Bed-Sharing&rsquo;, where the baby is actually in the same bed without a barrier from the parent, is considered one of the most dangerous sleeping environments. &nbsp;Many people misunderstand the terminology around this. &nbsp;&ldquo;Co-Sleeping&rdquo; &ndash; where the child sleeps in close proximity to the parent is touted as a robust way to bond with and administer attention to a young infant. &nbsp;It (Co-Sleeping) is recommended by a myriad of professionals as a great parenting approach. &nbsp;Unfortunately, many people misunderstand that the approach is not intended to be a &lsquo;bed-sharing&rsquo; approach. &nbsp;&lsquo;Bed-Sharing&rsquo; puts the infant at risk for suffocation from the parent or in the parent&rsquo;s bedding, where co-sleeping in an appropriate separate environment that protects the child. &nbsp; Additionally, it is thought that those cute naps where the baby is sleeping on mom or dad&rsquo;s chest on the sofa could be extremely dangerous. &nbsp;A sleeping parent can in NO WAY monitor a child, and a child can easily slip into a precarious position between a parent and a cushion. &nbsp;Basically it comes down to keeping the sleeping child in a safe environment of their own!</p> <p>Strangulation can occur in situations where clothing, blankets, toys or other objects obstruct the child&rsquo;s breathing passage. &nbsp;Recent (2010) federal legislation addressed the construction of cribs to prevent strangulation of infants due poor construction methods that could result in child entrapment and strangulation within the crib. &nbsp;Additional federal measures like recall of certain sleep positioners, changes to bouncers and swings and other products is helping to reduce the likelihood of strangulation deaths. &nbsp;What is left for the parent is to be sure clothing and other objects in the sleeping environment do not create a risk.</p> <h2>SIDS reduction</h2> <p>This is an area of heated debate and much research. &nbsp;In the past two years I have seen&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3209674/">multiple targets</a>&nbsp;of the cause of SIDS:</p> <ol><ol> <li>premature birth</li> <li>exposure to drugs and or alcohol in-utero</li> <li>&nbsp;low birth weight</li> <li>serotonin levels</li> <li>exposure to second hand smoke</li> <li>cardio-vascular problems</li> <li>infection</li> <li>brain anatomy and other genetic factors</li> <li>lack of breastfeeding</li> <li>AND MORE</li> </ol></ol> <p>Since there are so many &lsquo;possible&rsquo; causes, many of which are still being investigated and many are not preventable, what is a parent to do?</p> <h2>The &ldquo;Safe-Sleep Approach&rdquo;</h2> <p>So since safe sleep is actually trying to get at both the &lsquo;possible causes&rsquo; of SIDS as well as address the causes of strangulation and suffocation found in many of the SUID cases the approach seems cumbersome and exhausting to parents. &nbsp;Many of the approaches are not about &lsquo;buying&rsquo; something and are all about behavior so this isn&rsquo;t always an easy task, because it is a daily ritual and not a purchase at your local store. &nbsp;So HERE GOES:</p> <ol><ol> <li>Purchase or use a CPSC certified crib (those manufactured after 2010) that has gone through federal testing and certification process. &nbsp;All cribs sold on the open market should meet this criteria at this point. &nbsp;Retailers and Manufactures in violation of this are subject to enormous federal penalty and are very unlikely to be selling anything but certified cribs.</li> <li>&nbsp;Use a firm and supportive crib mattress.</li> <li>DO NOT BED SHARE &nbsp;(co-sleep/room share in an appropriate environment for the infant and not in YOUR bed without a barrier between you and your child)</li> <li>Be diligent about not allowing the child to sleep in alternative environments (napping with mom or dad in the recliner or on the sofa&hellip;etc)</li> <li>Do your best to Breastfeed</li> <li>Do NOT smoke around child, Do not drink or smoke or do drugs while pregnant</li> <li>Place child to sleep on their back</li> <li>Use wearable blankets (swaddle, Halo SleepSack&trade;, infant sleeping bag, etc) rather than loose clothing or blankets</li> <li>Remove pillows, blankets, toys and other soft products from the crib. Don&rsquo;t use sleep positioners.</li> <li>Use a pacifier when you put your child to bed &nbsp;(this is a weird one but recent studies have found that this is protective against sleep related deaths through an unknown mechanism) &nbsp;Even if the pacifier falls out during the night it is still protective</li> <li>Monitor the room temperature (neither too hot or too cool) There are great products out there to address the temp of the room.</li> </ol></ol> <p>Actually this all looks pretty simple. &nbsp;For more detailed information and some resources, we recommend the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nichd.nih.gov/sts/Pages/default.aspx">National Institute of Child Health and Human Development</a></p> <p>* a note about monitors: although everyone is looking for the perfect single step solution, monitors are not it. &nbsp;Monitors are great to help alleviate parental worry and could be helpful in identifying a potential incident, but should not be used as a replacement for all of the above behaviors. &nbsp;Many people feel that if they use a monitor they won&rsquo;t have to worry about the rest, in actuality, you should do all of the above and use a monitor as an additional tool.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:3 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/extra-nipples Extra Nipples? <p>We see all kinds of weird and wacky products in our industry. So we are not all that surprised by this one, although what you need with or what to do with this we haven't a clue.</p> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/extra nipples.jpg" alt="extra nipples?" width="456" height="456" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:4 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/wonderland Wonderland <p>We just love creative documentation of your new little ones first years. &nbsp;New and first time mom, Elise, has taken some time off work to raise her cutie-pie son, Gio. &nbsp;Well sometimes all that baby stuff lying around the house just becomes inspiration (especially&nbsp;for an artist). &nbsp;Elise decided to take us all on an adventure.She writes:</p> <p style="padding-left: 60px;"><span style="color: #6633cc;"><em>"This is what happens when an artist becomes a first time mom! Baby Gio travels to fantastical places in a weekly saga of DIY photo art (collaging household items, e.g., sheets, dishes, baby, etc.)... When I donned the wig to play "Alice" and made my husband take the photos, we both cried with laughter. Yes, I have totally lost my mind. But we're all mad here, aren't we? Or we wouldn't have come here. :)"</em></span></p> <p>What we love about this is the effect in the final composition is stunning and the components used to create this beautiful picture are hardly recognizable. Candles and jar tops function as apples on the tree, changing pads. Shower curtains and blankets take on the life of grass and trees. It is all just stunning and so clever. We will have to keep an eye on her adventures over at her <a title="Elise in Wonderland" href="http://pinterest.com/eliseippolito/elise-in-wonderland-baby-gios-adventures/" target="_blank">Elise in Wonderland</a> Pinterest page.</p> <p style="padding-left: 60px;"><em><span style="color: #6633cc;">"Little known fact: the reason why Alice went down the rabbit hole was because she was chasing her 10-week-old baby, Giovanni Everett."</span></em></p> <p><img class="size-full wp-image-19109" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/Elise-in-Wonderland.jpg" alt="Final Composition featuring Elise and Vio getting ready to go down the rabbit hole" width="600" height="519" /> <img class="size-full wp-image-19108" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/Elise-in-Wonderland-Setup.jpg" alt="Wonderland Setup with household items." width="600" height="450" />&nbsp;</p> <h2>Gio and the Mad Hatter:</h2> <p style="padding-left: 60px;"><span style="color: #6633cc;"><em>Baby Gio was quite pleased to join the Mad Hatter in celebrating his unbirthday, which just happened to fall on April 29th, the day Gio turned 11 weeks old. Alice had been sitting in the extra seat, but she drank out of the wrong cup, and grew too large for the table. Made by me, with: table cloth, shower curtain, window curtain, bed sheets, napkins, dress socks, an old beach towel, hair barrettes, tea set, teddy bear, mouse toy, vines, baby bottle, and construction paper. Starring Gio and Ian</em></span></p> <p><img class=" wp-image-19258 " src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/Gio-with-the-Mad-Hatter.jpg" alt="Gio with the Mad Hatter" width="603" height="491" />&nbsp;</p> <h2>Gio in the Garden of the Queen of Hearts:</h2> <p style="padding-left: 60px;"><span style="color: #6633cc;"><em>At twelve weeks (which is not at all the same as 3 months), Baby Gio wandered into the garden of the Queen of Hearts. Made by Elise Ippolito using napkins, bird statue wrapped with tissue paper, halloween costume, Venetian mask, two stuffed animals, silk flowers, clothing, jewelry, curtains, sheets, window drapery, pipes, envelopes, potted tree and a broomstick.</em></span></p> <p><img class=" wp-image-19686 " src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/Gio-and-The-queen-of-hearts.jpg" alt="Gio in the Garden of the Queen of Hearts" width="600" height="445" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img class="wp-image-19685 aligncenter" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/Gio-and-the-queen-of-hearts-setup.jpg" alt="Gio and the queen of hearts setup" width="576" height="432" /></p> <h2>Gio and the Magic Beanstalk</h2> <p style="padding-left: 60px;"><span style="color: #6633cc;"><em>Brave little 13-week-old Gio found some magic beans while in Wonderland, and put them to good use... Picture made by Elise Ippolito, with "elephant ear" vine, blankets, sheets, gauze, dress, shower curtain, changing pads, and gold plated serving cup. Starring Gio</em></span></p> <p><img class=" wp-image-19732 " src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/Gio-and-the-Magic-Beanstalk.jpg" alt="Gio and the Magic Beanstalk" width="389" height="540" />&nbsp;</p> <h2>Gio Meets the Giant while trying to get a Golden Egg</h2> <p style="padding-left: 60px;"><span style="color: #6633cc;"><em>14-week-old Baby Gio isn't afraid of that Giant, or the Goose, and fully intends to make off with the Golden Egg, even if it is a bit heavier and larger than he'd expected... Made by me with fuzzy baby blankets, gold tablecloth, oval serving dish, a coil of rope, several sheets, and elephant ear vine leaves. Starring Mr. Gio and his daddy, Ian, as the Giant.</em></span></p> <p><img class=" wp-image-19759 " src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/Gio-and-The-Giant.jpg" alt="Gio meets the giant while trying to get ahold of that darn golden egg." width="528" height="513" />&nbsp;</p> <h2>Gio on the Magic Carpet</h2> <p>Gio is off again. &nbsp;I guess we are gushing about this alot lately, but we just love when someone's passion for their child becomes a visual testament:</p> <p style="padding-left: 60px;"><span style="color: #6633cc;"><em>Gio, now 15 weeks old, escaped the Giant with the help of a magic lamp, and made a couple of new friends in the process. Made with: blue towel, carpet, more towels, belt, a multitude of clothing and sheets, sash, ribbon, gold card stock, monkey hat, construction paper, swaddle, and actual authentic Egyptian lamp. Starring Gio</em></span></p> <p>One of our favorite things about this artist is her self deprecating humor about the project in general. Some comments she made on the original image she posted on facebook:</p> <p style="padding-left: 60px;"><span style="color: #6633cc;"><em> You can tell it's not a professional's work, because you can see the zippered fly of the pink jeans in the top right cloud! Gio cooperated amazingly, though. I was also really pleased with getting a Genie-shape out of the one blue towel we owned.</em></span></p> <p><img class=" wp-image-19835 " src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/gio and the geenie.jpg" alt="Gio and the Magic Carpet Ride" width="471" height="640" />&nbsp;]<img class=" wp-image-19834 " src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/geenie setup.jpg" alt="Gio and the behind the scenes making of the tableau" width="480" height="320" />&nbsp;</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:5 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/kids-are-destructive Kids are destructive <p>Protect your investments, Baby Furniture Plus Kids offers a great program for protecting your furniture and upholstery!</p> <p>We often joke about our customers having the "perfect child" just because they shopped with us, however the reality is little hands can be quite&nbsp;destructive&nbsp;and accidents do happen. &nbsp;One of our favorite products is Montage's incredible furniture protection plan. &nbsp;This is not an extended warranty...&nbsp; &nbsp;This is a protection plan to help protect and maintain the products you buy for your kids' rooms. &nbsp;<strong>For five years</strong>, after the purchase, Montage will repair or replace product from:</p> <ul> <li>damage from wipe warmer</li> <li>burning by curling iron</li> <li>deep penetrating scratches from toys</li> <li>chipping from the vacuum hitting the leg of the dresser</li> <li>rips in upholstery on your glider</li> <li>broken glide mechanism</li> <li>stains from juice</li> <li>stains from lipstick</li> <li>stains from fingernail polish</li> <li>stains from fingernail polish remover</li> <li>stains from kool-aid, mustard, red wine (yours of course your child won't be drinking this, right?)</li> <li>...and any other staining things your child can think of</li> <li>drawer fronts ripped off in a fury of slamming (yeah it can happen)</li> <li>drawers broken because someone stood in the drawer (also happens)</li> <li>REALLY the types and number of damages is mind boggling...and your three year old will know every single one</li> </ul> <p>This incredible program is available on all furniture and gliders. &nbsp;You must purchase the protection program prior to picking up your furniture and the plan stays with you and your furniture for the next five years (they don't call it the Terrible Twos and Terrifying Threes for nothing)</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:6 https://www.babyfurnitureplus.net/housedads-we-love-these-guys HouseDads we love these guys <h2>Dads are making it big in advertising these days...bout time!</h2> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/BLOG IMAGES/old blog posts/house dad with dress.png" alt="" width="300" height="263" />We all know a few of the dedicated stay at home dads that took the initiative to devote their time and energy to the kids (cant imagine a more exhausting or rewarding career). Finally some big national companies are taking a liking to this great group of parents and actually spending some time and money to advertise about and to them. This is such a big change from as early as a year ago when a group of dads started a <a href="http://www.change.org/petitions/we-re-dads-huggies-not-dummies" target="_blank">petition</a>&nbsp;to get Huggies to pull some ads that made "dads" out to be incompetent at child rearing; encouraging their consumers to videotape dads 'trying' to diaper a child. &nbsp;Huggies eventually pulled the ads and&nbsp;apologized. Looks like the 'stay at home father' is finally getting their due and we hope the trend continues. &nbsp;We just love this commercial from Tide. Stay at home dads ROCK! &nbsp;They work hard hard hard! <iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xCYwAOCLiTA" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>