A picture is worth a thousand words or so the saying goes. I am an avid photographer and love capturing my kids doing everything from the everyday to the extrordinary. From their first steps to our family vacations and every day in between my camera is always within arm’s reach.

I am always in search of new and clever ways to display my photos; ways that really let my pictures do the talking and the images I have captured be the stars. Imagekind’s Story Frames do just that. You can easily create a simple display that tells your family’s story, whatever that may be.

The story frame I created had four photos although you can choose to have more or less. The pictures can be horizontal or vertical depending on what you are looking for. I found the process to be extremely user-friendly. I’ve ordered dozens of photo products on-line over the years and so often it is too difficult to upload my pictures. Imaginekind’s site was a snap and my large files were instantly uploaded.

Once your pictures are uploaded you can resize them, rotate them, and crop them as well. You can also reposition them within your frame creation. Once you’ve selected your photographs and gotten them arranged the way you like them, all that’s left is to choose your mat and your frame. I cannot stress enough how easy the entire process was. Even a novice can write a beautiful story with photographs.

The Story Frames would make an excellent gift for new parents, grandparents, and anyone else on your list who enjoys displaying photographs. The frame is high quality and honestly looks like a museum piece hanging on my wall.

The neat part about the Story Frame is that it doesn’t even have to display a photograph. You can create a story with your child’s artwork or anything else you have in a digital format. The site is currently hosting a “First Moments” contest where they are encouraging you to create a frame of your own. Four winners will be selected to recieve $100 worth of Story Frame creations. So grab your memory card and start telling your story!

(Click here to learn more about the contest.)

Visit Imagekind at www.imagekind.com

What: Season WallCandy Arts

Why: It’s time to update your kid’s room with a new look, but you don’t have time to paint the walls and the thought of messing with wallpaper gives you a headache. If you have a meager ten minutes to spare, then you’ll have enough time to redecorate with WallCandy Arts.

You don’t need to be Martha Stewart. Just peel and stick, and if it doesn’t look right, go ahead and peel and rearrange. It won’t damage your walls at all.

I’m loving the cheerful Season Tree designed by Not Neutral. The kit comes with tree branches (create one tall tree or two stubby trees), leaves, birds, butterflies and a couple of pretty blooms. It’s a sweet reminder that spring is just around the corner and it makes boring white walls look new and fresh.

Price: $54

Find it: babybrowns.com

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Munire Furniture Inc., of Piscataway, N.J., today announced a voluntary recall of 24,000 cribs.

According to the CPSC, “The cribs fail to meet the federal safety standards for cribs. The four support brackets on the mattress support spring are too long. The brackets prevent the spring from lowering to the full 26 inch minimum height in its lowest position, allowing children inside to crawl over the railing, posing a fall hazard.”

Cribs sold between November 1, 2005 and November 1, 2007 (under the following product names: Majestic Curved Top and Flat Top Cribs, Essex Cribs, Brighton/Sussex Cribs and Captiva Cribs) are affected by this recall; owners can contact Munire to receive replacement spring brackets. For additional information, contact Munire Furniture Inc. at (866) 586-9639 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET or visit the firm’s Web site at www.munirefurniture.com

Boston Mamas: Unleash the Creative Beast For those who love hosting parties but need a little help figuring out how to personalize the details, there’s Garnish, purveyor of cool party and gift packaging ideas that will keep your guests coming back for more!

Healthy Bump: Transform your child’s room in minutes! FunToSee has created an easy way to decorate your child’s room with their Room Make-Over.

MomFinds: Super Tees for Super Tuesday
Your kids might be too young to vote, but it’s never too early to take them to the polls…in style. Here are the best politico tees and bodysuits for the tiniest citizens.

Moms Buzz: Helping Children Develop Self-Control As parents, we all struggling with disciplining our children. Although it is one of the hardest things of parenting, helping children develop self-control is one of the best assets we can develop in our children.

One Chic Mama: Wrap Your Baby In Plush Comfort We love this hooded personalized bath towel from Alex Casey Baby!

What: MiGi Baby Bedding and Nursery Décor

Why: Designer baby bedding without the hefty price tag? Now you can have a drool-worthy nursery without breaking the bank. The new MiGi baby line offers stylish, modern and affordable baby bedding and nursery décor.

Pieces include a Four-Piece Bedding Set (with comforter, fitted sheet, bumper and crib skirt) for $150, a retro-cool Lamp ($40) that would impress a design-buff, and an ultra-soft Argyle Blanket ($22.99) made from 100% cotton.

We’re not the only ones who love MiGi. Celebs like Brooke Shields (who decorated her daughter’s nursery in the “Sweet” collection) and Angelina Jolie are fans.

Price: Starting at $14.99

Find it: babiesrus.com

Tip: Click here to find the best modern cribs and rockers to create your dream nursery.

About 1 million cribs are being recalled by Simplicity, Inc., according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Affected cribs include several models with the Simplicity logo and Simplicity brand cribs using the Graco logo. The risk that prompted the recall is “the drop-side can detach from the crib, which can create a dangerous gap and lead to the entrapment and suffocation of infants,” according to the CPSC. “CPSC is aware of two deaths in Simplicity manufactured cribs with older style hardware, including a 9-month-old child and a 6-month-old child, where the drop-side was installed upside down. CPSC is also aware of seven infant entrapments and 55 incidents in these cribs.” The recalled cribs, which were made in China, were sold nationwide from January 1998 through May 2007 for between $100 and $300.

In addition to the recalled cribs, CPSC is also investigating the death of a 1-year-old child in a Simplicity crib with newer style hardware, in which the drop-side was installed upside down. CPSC is warning parents and caregivers to check all Simplicity cribs to make sure the drop-side is installed right side up.

“The drop-side failures result from both the hardware and crib design, which allow consumers to unintentionally install the drop-side upside down. This, in turn, can weaken the hardware and cause the drop-side to detach from the crib. When the drop-side detaches, it creates a gap in which infants can become entrapped.”

“CPSC is also aware of two incidents that occurred when the drop-side was correctly installed with older style hardware, though the upside down installation greatly increases the risk of failure.”

The following models are included in the recall:

Cribs with Simplicity logo:

• Aspen 3 in 1
• Aspen 4 in 1
• Nursery-in-a-Box
• Crib N Changer Combo
• Chelsea and Pooh 4 in 1

Simplicity cribs using the Graco logo:

• Aspen 3 in 1
• Ultra 3 in 1
• Ultra 4 in1
• Ultra 5 in 1
• Whitney
• Trio

The recalled cribs have one of the following model numbers, which can be found on the envelope attached to the mattress support and on the label attached to the headboard: 4600, 4605, 4705, 5000, 8000, 8324, 8800, 8740, 8910, 8994, 8050, 8750, 8760, and 8996.

“As an immediate precaution, consumers should check to see if the drop-side is installed right side up. To do this, check to see that the slightly rounded rail with the decorative groove is installed at the top and the plain rail is on the bottom. Next, consumers should make sure the drop-side is securely attached to the tracks in all four corners.”

“If the drop-side is installed upside down or not securely attached, consumers should stop using the crib immediately. Incorrect installation can cause permanent damage to the hardware and re-installing the drop-side using the same hardware is unsafe.”

“Consumers should check to see if their crib contains the recalled hardware. Recalled hardware has a flexible tab at the bottom of the lower tracks and the top of the lower tracks are open. Newer hardware, which is not subject to the recall, has the flexible tab located at the top of the lower track, and a permanent stop at the bottom.”

Consumers who have a crib with older style hardware can receive a free repair by immediately contacting Simplicity toll-free at (888) 593-9274 between 8:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET Monday through Thursday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET on Friday, and between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, or by visiting the firm’s website at www.simplicityforchildren.com

Consumers who have a crib with newer style hardware and have installed the drop-side upside down or have broken hardware, should also contact Simplicity immediately.

When it comes to decorating my kids playroom last fall, I wasn’t looking to do much. A former teacher, I recognized that, beyond a few basics (reading corner, work station, shelves and baskets) what they needed most was space. So with a minimalist approach, and a few hundred thousands toys, I searched for items the kids would use and could abuse. Items that weren’t overbearing, but would inspire creativity.

But even the table and shelves can be cumbersome, so it becomes important to search for quality products. Products that will withstand the test of friends climbing on them, leaning across Candyland — with a whole body on the table to get to King Candy, and Grandparent weight. And, of course, it may be a playroom, but you want it to look as good as the rest of your house.

A table was a definite necessity. And, in this case, I wanted something that wouldn’t wobble, the legs wouldn’t unscrew, and it would look clean and crisp. Something that could be used for decades, because it didn’t scream toddler all over it. Jennifer deLonge’s Grace Table has completely answered my table and chair pursuit.

Jennifer deLonge, up-scale children’s furniture designer, and designer to the stars, creates distinctive pieces for an up-to-the-moment style. A favorite of Gwyneth Paltrow, Courteney Cox-Arquette and Mira Sorvina, deLonge is the wife of Blink 182’s Tom deLonge, and designer extraordinaire in her own right. Her children’s furniture evokes a sleek, mod style, one so “normal” that it could easily be subbed in as adult furniture. The Grace Table is firm and secure–so much more so than those I considered from popular children’s furniture retailers. The stools, mini-replicas of the table, are in fact so strong they held my father-in-law during his extended visit to Wesley’s Diner.

Next, we searched for shelving. My husband had no problem clearing his throat when I started looking at deLonge-ish designers. These are simply shelves, he reminded me. He took the liberty of running to IKEA to purchase 4 sets of Agerum Bookcases. The high legs are perfect for grabbing lost toys, and for storing over-sized items. And their GLES storage box, at only $1.29 a box, fits perfectly to contain all of our characters, trains, cars and Lincoln Logs. (Of course, the shelves are firmly attached to the wall — no chance of tipping those over, which is essential since one of the boys received the award “Best Climber” at summer camp.)

Boys being boys, we already had a train table by Imaginarium, and during the holidays last year, we added a very boyish kitchen set from Target. A fight with the Grandparents on both sides, I can’t get over the fact that every grandparent visit finds them sitting at Wesley’s Diner, (at the Jennifer deLonge Grace Table) ordering cookies, a burger and an onion–or whatever Wesley’s Diner is featuring that day.

For the computers, yes, they have computers, Daddy and Pop-Pop ventured over to Home Depot to purchase shelving. Which they very cleverly built in at about 2 feet off the ground, perfect height for the Pottery Barn Kids Carolina Chairs that pull up to their “desk.”

Finally, it was time for me to accessorize. Again, simplicity was imperative. No Tigger and Pooh murals in this house. Instead, I found these wall letters by eeboo, which I use as a border around the room. The soft-touch of the art is a subtle reminder that this is, in fact, a kids room. At Daddy’s request, we added two maps: one US and one world, so that when we travel, we can mark off our vacation spots, as well as Daddy’s business trip stays. And our hidden secret… at teepee that, in seconds, stores in the back closet, serves as a hiding spot, a reading corner, even an impromptu nap-spot.

The kids have been, officially, using the room for a few months now. Simple to put things away, simple to use. Simple to play. And, of course, simple to find that it needs to be cleaned. Because no matter how few furnishing items I have in a playroom, the toys still spill out the door.

Imaginarium Train Table is on sale at Toys R Us and you’ll get free shipping; Agerum Bookcases (IKEA) are not available online; eeboo maps are available at My Little Ducks: use code SAVE15 for 15% off; Chef Costume by Growing Cooks; Animal Bag (under Grace Table) by Boon Inc.; TeePee available at Precious Personalities: use code MWS10 for 10% off.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Pottery Barn Kids, today announced a voluntary recall of about 31,000 Matelassé crib bumpers. “The decorative stitching on the bumper’s edge can come loose, posing an entanglement hazard to young children,” according to the CPSC. Two reports of incidents have been reported to Pottery Barn Kids, but no injuries have been reported.

“This recall involves the Diamond Matelassé, Floral Matelassé and Polka Dot Matelassé crib bumpers made of 100% cotton. The Diamond Matelassé bumpers are white and have decorative thread in pink, blue, green, yellow or chocolate stitched along the scalloped edge. The Polka Dot and Floral bumpers come in assorted colors with matching decorative stitching. A label on the bumper reads “pottery barn kids”.”

The crib bumpers were sold from February 2003 through June 2007 at Pottery Barn Kids stores nationwide, in the Pottery Barn Kids catalog, and online for about $90.

“Consumers should stop using the bumpers immediately and remove any exposed stitching, or contact Pottery Barn Kids for a refund,” according to the CPSC.

For additional information, call Pottery Barn Kids toll-free at (877) 800-9720 between 7 a.m. and 12 a.m. ET daily or visit the company’s website at www.potterybarnkids.com

These companies donated unique and fun items for the home and/or nurseries of the Operation Shower moms:

There is no doubt that bunk beds are useful for space constrained parents with more than one child. Kids also love them and they’re good for many a Norman Rockwell picture of siblings talking themselves to sleep.

Like most good things; however, they do come with some potential risks. Every year there are thousands of accidents involving bunk beds and most are attributable to childish horseplay. However, there are a number of serious injuries resulting from faulty or poorly constructed bunk beds.

Happily the Consumer Product Safety Commission has some great information to help you prevent serious mishaps.

Bunk Bed Safety begins with taking care of the the four most common causes of injuries associated with bunk beds:

1. Guardrail spacing. Every year small children slip through the space between the guardrail and the mattress. If there is more than 3.5 inches between mattress and guardrail, add another guardrail board to fill the gap.

2. Not enough guardrails. Even if the bunk bed backs against a wall, make sure there is a rail along the wall to prevent small children from slipping through the space between mattress and wall.

3.Knocking down the top mattress. What’s the fun of sleeping on the bottom if not to kick the mattress of your sleeping sibling? Prevent the fun from causing the top mattress to fall, by adding extra slats supporting the mattress.

4. Buy the right size mattress. Seems like a no brainer, but many fail to buy a mattress that is appropriately sized to prevent gaps which can cause falls.

When selecting a bunk bed, the CSPC suggests:

1. Selection

Choose bunk beds that have:

a. Guardrails on all sides which are screwed, bolted or otherwise firmly attached to the bed structure.

b. Spacing between bed frame and bottom of guard rails that is no greater than 3-1/2 inches (89 mm).

c. Guardrails that extend at least 5 inches (127 mm) above the mattress surface to prevent a child from rolling off.

d. Cross ties under the mattress foundation which can be securely attached.

e. A ladder that is secured to the bed frame and will not slip when a child climbs on it.

f. A feature which permits the beds to be separated to form two single beds if you have children too young to sleep safety on the upper bunk.

And finally, choose a mattress that correctly fits your bed, whether regular or extra long.

2. Use

a. Always use two side guardrails on the upper bunk. Keep guardrails securely in place at all times no matter what the age of the child. Children move about during sleep and may roll out of bed.

b. Do not permit children under 6 years of age to sleep in the upper bunk.

c. Be sure crossties are under the mattress foundation of each bed and that they are secured in place even if bunks are used as twin beds.

d. Emphasize to children to use the ladder and not chairs or other pieces of furniture to climb into orout of the top bunk.

e. Teach children that rough play is unsafe around and on beds and other furniture.

f. Consider using a night light so that children will be able to see the ladder if they get up during the night.

3. Maintenance or Safety Repair

a. If spacing between guard rails and bed frames is more than 3 1/2 inches (89 mm), nail or screw another rail to close the space to prevent head entrapment.

b. Keep guardrails in good repair and securely in place.

c. Replace loose or missing ladder rungs immediately.

d. Repair or replace loose or missing hardware, including cross ties immediately.

It’s Friday and that means… more great stories from the top parent blogs on the web.

• Boston Mamas: Intimacy S.O.S.
  Exhausted parents can’t help but be prone to losing their bedroom mojo; Esther Perel’s “Mating in Captivity” can help you right the intimacy ship.
• Celebrity Moms: The Scoop on Tori Spelling’s Modern Nursery
  Tori Spelling creates a nursery to fit her modern, funky style
• Classy Mommy: Fairy Princess Designs Tooth Fairy Pillows
  What a keepsake gift! Fabulous girl and boy patterns – think Princess or Pirate!
• Coochicoos: Say I Love You with a Bumbi Doll
  Remind your kids you’re never far away with a customized Bumbi Doll
• 
  Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony Splitting Up?
  Is Marc Anthony “suffocating” J-Lo?



• Mommies with Style: Baby Jogger’s City Series Double
  Upgrading to a double couldn’t be easier.
• One Chic Mama: Fat Girl Slim
  A great cream from Benefit that helps smooth skin as it firms, trims, tones, and energizes.
• SheFindsMom: Baby Shoe Buying Guide
  The most adorable, comfy shoes for newborns, crawlers, toddlers—and big kids, too.
• Swanky Moms: Jayneoni Moore & Renae Plant’s fashion show at BCLA
  2 Fashion Shows at BCLA
• The Stylish Child: Containing Diaper Change Clutter
  The stylish Sara Bear Baskets create changing basket envy
• Babyfaces – Photo of the Week
  A Little Angel Smiles…

If you’ve ever gone in search of non-character based bedding that’s fun for kids, you’ve probably encountered the same challenges that many Clever Parents have. The high quality stuff you find in chi-chi boutiques is often overpriced, and the other options, well, let’s just say a bedspread should not feel like sandpaper.

So Clever Parents was thrilled to discover Olive Kids, a small family run company that provides high quality children’s bedding. As parents, owners Russell and Anita Brandwein don’t believe quality kids bedding should be outrageously expensive. Olive Kids is unique in that they create, manufacture, license and sell their own designs online – so you know you’re getting something unique. Plus, the quality is outstanding and reasonably priced.

“The quality of Olive Kids bedding is second to none,” says Russell. “We use soft, unbleached high thread count cotton. Our comforters are lighter weight, yet warm in the winter and cool in the summer. We use outline quilting so that different icons, like trucks or mermaids, “pop” off the bed. We’re the only ones doing it and we think it looks great! Our sheets are soft and have details like sewn on ribbon hems. And no one makes shams more fun than ours, packed with plush and embroidered details!”

In order to keep prices down (Olive Kids bedding is often half the price of bedding options of a similar quality), they keep their overhead low and work on a small profit margin. “We don’t employ banks of nameless customer service personnel, but rather a small, energetic staff of enthusiastic people who enjoy talking with, and helping parents. We know there are other options out there, so we appreciate every order!”

So what are the favorite picks in the Olive Kids household? “Our youngest kids do have the luxury of choosing any of our designs. Our middle boy, Jackson is into space and loves our “Out of This World” design. Our youngest, Luke, is quite eclectic. He has “Wild Animal Sheets”, “Trains, Planes & Truck” comforter, “Under Construction” pillowcase and “Ride ‘em” pillow sham. Thankfully, they all look great together!”

“Where other websites offer same old, same old from a myriad of vendors, we get to focus on what we do best..make colorful, fun and affordable home furnishings for little kids!”

Visit Olive Kids online at www.olivekids.com

Spoil someone you love with a gift set from Simply Spoiled, a children’s boutique owned by two parentrepreneurs in Durham, North Carolina whose online arm launched last fall. Pick the perfect baby shower or 1st birthday gift from a wide variety of gift sets, buy a giant floor puzzle for a preschooler you love or paint your child’s name in the sky.

Here are a few of our faves:

* For expectant parents of a little boy: Whizz Kid Gift Set. The perfect protection for baby boys from eating to burping to diaper changing! This gift includes a bib, burp cloth, blanket and Weeblock. A Weeblock is a cup-like covering that you place between baby’s legs at changing time. Worth the price of purchase just for the laugh it will bring when the present is opened.

* A picture is worth… We love the wide range of picture frames you can find on this site. Pick up a frame perfect for Grandma or get the new big brother or big sister to be excited with their own frame designating their new status.

* Paint your child’s name in the sky: Bring the beach to your child’s room with their name in the sky. Since the edges are wrapped around the painted canvas no framing is required.

Visit Simply Spoiled at www.simplyspoiledchild.com

Tired of hitting ten in a dozen shops only to find the same toys and gear? Try Chloe in Style, where you can pick up everything from beautiful announcements, stationery and journals, to children’s gear and toys and even maternity wear. With just a few options in each of the store’s sections, you can easily get a sense of everything they carry without being overwhelmed.

A few of our faves include:

* Fun and flirty aprons for hot mama cookin’ in the kitchen. Added bonus: the matching kids versions in the girls apparel section.

* A fabulous bird mask made on recylclable cardboard with an elastic band for tying.

* Handmade ponchos with adorable pom-pom trim.

Shop away at www.chloeinstyle.com

Check out these smart dish sets from notNeutral. People won’t even notice bad table manners with these stylish sets to distract them!

Also check out notNeutral’s Porcelain Piggy banks…this little piggy says YES!

This week’s Swap of the Week is an almost new yellow and green baby bedding set complete with bumper and bed skirt from Seattle. For those of you who may not know, the Wendy Bellismo brand of bedding retails for over $400.00 and this swapper originally paid $500.00! However, she is letting this beautiful set go for only $225.00.

For more information, check out our swapper’s listing at BabySwap.NET!

• Tookie’s: Holiday Shoppers Want to Know – What Holiday Toys Won’t Cool Off?
• Magneatos: Jumbo Size Magnetic Construction for the Toddler Set
• Sculpting material that never dries out: Play Foam
• Rock, spin, hide under, peek through, fill with water, wear as a shell or as a hat. Bilibo
• Dado Cubes: A New Twist on Classic Building Blocks
• Smithsonian Chemistry Set — On Sale!
• Li’l DaVinci Art Frames: Children’s Artwork Storage & Display in a Beautiful Frame
• Help your preschooler learn and have fun at the same time. My True Learning

Download the Quicktime video.
Download the Flash video.
Previous Clever Parents vidcast episodes.

Wall Candy Arts Toki Doki Hearts and Crossbones will style-up any kids’ bedroom walls! Create a unique look with the ease of peel and stick application. You’ll love how easy they are to use and re-use!

Available Now at www.blackwagon.com

My son’s latest morning routine involves coming in to wake us up, and then climbing into bed with us and asking us to get under the “fort.” As Moms know, kids love tents, forts, places they can hide and let their imagination run wild.

The TeePee for Me is a fantastic play item for your child. They come in some fabulous fabric choices, and rise to over 5 feet tall.

Set-up is really easy (we did it in stealth as we’re saving this one for either a December birthday present or a new baby brother present and didn’t want to ruin the surprise) and took all of 10 seconds to get up into standing position. It’s really grand-looking when it’s set up and I can’t wait to see the excitement on my son’s face when he checks it out for the first time.

They range in price from $288-366. Age range for this one is toddler to tween, so you definitely get your money’s worth as it lasts for many years of playtime. Mention “Mommies With Style” at check out & receive free Pillow ($64 value) with TeePee purchase.

This one makes a great present for the holidays – imagine Christmas morning and the look on your child’s face coming down to this…

Every once in a while I come across a product that leaves me thinking “Oh my god, I need that right now!” Such was the case when I came across the Magic Dog Studio line – a line of handcrafted and custom-made jewelry and home decor.

This is not your typical “mom’s” jewelry with beads and birthstones. Instead, artist Jennifer Bunt – a trained metalsmith – uses sterling silver and copper to create beautiful pieces that literally turn into wearable art.

With the Off the Fridge and Out of the Drawer series, Jennifer takes a piece of artwork by your child and transforms it into a beautiful piece of jewelry. The Prints in Metal series works under the same concept except that instead of using artwork you can have your child’s fingerprint, handprint or footprint etched into a keepsake you will treasure forever.

I was seriously so impressed by her work I couldn’t get it out of my head and I finally asked her to make me a piece. Being that my daughter is only a little over a year old, I decided to do a thumbprint (I actually ended up getting a toe print instead because it was so difficult to get her little fingerprints not to smudge!). Jennifer worked with me throughout the entire process to customize it to my liking (I got her nickname engraved in the back and added a little tag with her full name to the clasp) and suffice to say, the final outcome was breathtaking. I have been wearing this necklace every single day (I have a feeling that my daughter is going to have to fight me for it one day) and people are continuously asking me about it.

If jewelry isn’t your thing, Magic Dog Studio can also do a wall piece to decorate your home with. Prices range from $65 to $125 with a large selection of necklaces and bracelets to choose from. To check out the selection and to order visit www.magicdogstudio.com.

I can’t think of any mom (or dad for that matter) I know who wouldn’t instantly fall in love with this line of jewelry. If you are searching for the perfect gift for a parent get them a gift certificate to Magic Dog Studio and I guarantee you will take the title of best gift giver ever.