Caden Lane

I always knew that a chandelier belonged in the nursery. For girl OR boy! That’s why we photographed the Boy Luxe Collection with two different chandeliers, I wanted to prove to mommies everywhere that hanging a fancy light in your little boy’s room was nothing shy of fabulous. And not the hand-flipping kind of fabulous, we’re talking future football star fabulous.

As I mentioned before, I have a slight obsession with this whole “salvaged wood” trend. First it was a table, then it was mirrors, chairs…. and now, lighting. In fact, after seeing all of it at market this past week, I changed my entire house (that we are building) from the heavy dark iron fixtures, to the washed-old-wood look that Currey Lighting PERFECTS. I mean really, even with a iphone picture, you can’t resist the drrroooooool.

I also decided to move my daughters previous turquoise chandelier into my new closet. And paint my walls turquoise to match. If you squint your eyes, it will look almostlike it belongs on Sex and the City. Haha…

Here’s my options so far that I’m considering for her new room – which will showcase the NEW Boutique Big Girl Collection! I’d LOVE your opinion… which is your favorite??? (See this post about my other purchases for her room.)

Option 1: Option 2:Option 3: 

Option 4:Option 5: Option 6:

I’m loving the rose theme. Can you tell?

And hell, after having to buy all of this lighting…. I might have to get one of these too.

This morning (between me and my 5 year old):

Cade, “mom, close your eyes and stick out your hands.”

Me,“okay…. Ahhhh, Cade – don’t spray silly string on me!!! I told you not to play with that inside.”

Cade, “Sorry. And I’m sorry it’s on your roof.”

Me, “On my roof? Cade what did you do????”

And then, as I walked into my living room, I saw the WEB of purple silly string that was ALL OVER my ceiling. “CCCAAAADDDEEE! I told you not to do that! Ahhhh!”….”but mom, doesn’t it look cool?”

Why is it always on the days you are in a rush, there’s silly string on your “roof”. This is my life.

We are back from market and I’m furiously trying to play catch up! I have the video of our booth (as I promised) – I just haven’t figured out how to load it to the blog yet. I’m working on it though, promise!

In the meantime, you can check out this awesome giveaway that RosenberryRooms is hosting for a FREE bedding set! All you have to do is comment to enter!

“No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance.” – Confucius.

I was never a library girl. In elementary I remember coping almost word for word from the encyclopedia to finish my report.

In middle school, I was the girl who bought the cliff notes even for education staples like To Kill A Mockingbird (this was before the term “googling” was alive).

In high school, I could write an entire book summary in itty-bitty-teeny-tiny words, like a 2 pt font, on a piece of paper the size of a quarter (again, pre-computer & iphone - damn I’m getting old).

In college, I paid for this note service, where they actually hired “nerds” to go to class and take notes and then sell them to students like me.

And now…. I’m forced to deal with all these “book clubs” that my friends do, and want me to join.
Who? What? Books? I’m not a reader. Now, if this was a club that served wine and we all talked about what the celebs were wearing in the weeklys, and who’s hooking up with who… well now, that’s my kind of club! It would be a picture-book kind of club. The only requirement would be that you have to look through all the weekly magazines and look at all the pictures – reading the blurbs next to the pictures is only extra credit!

I never read Harry Potter. I don’t do scary. I tried at one point to get into the girly-shopaholic-type books… but never made it more than half way through. Nope. It’s just not me. I don’t have time! I don’t know about you guys, but between three businesses, two children, a marriage, and LIFE – who finds time to read? Maybe they read during that time that I’m soaking in the bath with my glass of wine? Or perhaps it’s during that few hours I get every weekend to sit on my ass on the couch and watch mindless TV.

Or maybe it’s on all those luxury vacations I wish I was taking? Ugh. I just dont’ have time. Did you hear me Mr. Confucious! And, to comment on your thought of “surrendering myself to self-chosen ignorance”, well, I do read occassionally, but I prefer the books that I can benefit from.
The marketing, consumer science, how-do-deal-with-employees…kind of books.

Until I found this book. It’s called “NutureShock” by Po Bronson & Ashley Merryman, and it’s fantastic. It doesn’t tell you how to put babies to sleep… if you should or shouldn’t be attachment-parenting, co-sleeping, breast-feeding, pro-drinking, anti-sleeping, nanny-seeking, what-happened-to-my-life parenting! It’s about our kids.

Our society. It’s a perspective on childhood, and raising our children. It’s not a manual. It’s not the bible. It’s just these two author’s observation on years of research on raising children. And you know what? I think they have A LOT of it right!

Chapter 1: The Inverse Power of Praise. “Sure, he’s special, But new research suggests if you tell him that, you’ll ruin him. It’s a neurobiological fact.” The chapter goes on to explain how studies have shown that children that are over praised try less because they know they only have to try so hard to impress. One example was a group of kids that were given a nonverbal IQ test in New York. Half of the group was told “you must be very smart,” and the other group was told “you must have worked really hard.” On the second round of tests the children were given a choice on a harder test or a test of the same level as the first. Of the kids praised for their effort, 90% chose the harder set of tests. Of those praised for their intelligence, a majority chose the easy test. The “smart” kids took the cop-out. They concluded, “When we praise children for their intelligence we tell them that this is the name of the game: look smart, don’t risk making mistakes.” And I don’t know about you guys – but I want my kiddos to take chances, and not “expect” results.

Chapter 5: ”The search for intelligent life in Kindergarten” – explaining why children pre-exposed to social environments like day care and pre-school do noteably better in school, with friends, in life, etc… that children who stay at home until Kinder. Other chapers… “The Sibling Effect”, why only children have issues…..”Plays Well With Others”, why modern parenting has failed to produce a generation of angels, and “Why White Parent’s Don’t Talk About Race” – does teaching children about race and skin color make them better off or worse? Are you hooked yet?

OOOOh, it’s all so good. You can read one chapter at a time, or read the entire thing in one weekend. I’ve read several chapters twice. And I’ve recommended it to anyone anytime a “book” conversation comes up. Again, I’m not an avid reader – but that’s why this book should receive an award. VERY seldom does a book capture my attention like this one.

Oh, and I like  anything by Jenny McCarthy and Chelsea Handler. They are just freakin’ funny.

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I don’t know about you guys, but I’m always up for a little FREE MONEY! In return for the years of love and support, and with the launch of our new collection, The “Boutique” Collection, we’ve decided to share the love with a little contest. Who doesn’t like a contest?

CADEN LANE IS GIVING AWAY YOUR CHOICE OF

A $1000 Gift Certificate to Southwest Airlines,

OR

A $2000 Shopping Spree at NurseryCouture.com

OR

A $3000 DONATION TO YOUR FAVORITE CHARITY!

HOW TO ENTER:

Your name will be entered based on the number of points you earn. Each point is worth one entry. And you may earn points by doing any of the following activities:

Worth 1 POINT each:

- Tweet about this contest or about Caden Lane in your Twitter status.

- Post about this contest or about Caden Lane in your Facebook status.

- Become a fan of Caden Lane on Facebook and comment.

- Follow Caden Lane on Twitter, tweet about it and comment.

- Comment on this blog post (AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST).

- Sign up to be on our mailing list.

- Comment or post a review on one of our products on our website.

Worth 3 POINTS each:

- Blog about this contest and/or about Caden Lane.

- Send us a picture of wall art, rugs, frames, lighting, furniture… basically any decor item, gift, and/or accessory item (with a link to the store or manufacturer you found it at) that you think would coordinate perfectly with our new Boutique bedding collection (must be 700px wide).

- Send us a link to your favorite online baby store and their blog! If they carry Caden Lane, we’d love to feature them, if they don’t – then tell them why they should!

- Make a donation to the charity of your choice. If you don’t have one, we love St. Jude and March of Dimes, and a local favorite is Child Safe. This is on the honor system. But remember KARMA – what you do always will come back to you, so be honest!

*Note: You may repeat the same task, but it will NOT increase the number of points earned. In other words, you can tweet ten times about us, but it will still only be worth one point = one entry. (plus, you might annoy your friends )

Worth 10 POINTS each:

- Purchase anything from Caden Lane before midnight (CST) on August 31, 2010.

- Send us a photograph of your current nursery and/or kids rooms telling us why you neeeed Caden Lane! Unfortunately creativity is not worth extra points, but it will definitely earn you brownie points with us!

- Make a creative video or take a funny photograph about how much you love Caden Lane. Be aware that we will probably post it on our blog and/or on our facebook fan page.

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Afterwards, email us at ihopeiwin@cadenlane.com. Include your name and your total number of entries in the subject heading. In the body of your email, type a list of everything you completed including the verifiable links. We will check all the links, so make sure they work!

IF YOU DO NOT SEND US AN EMAIL AT IHOPEIWIN@CADENLANE.COM WITH YOUR COMPLETED TASKS, THEY WILL NOT BE COUNTED. PLEASE DO NOT SEND MULTIPLE EMAILS. JUST SEND ONE EMAIL WITH YOUR TOTAL ENTRIES.

DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS August 31^st, 2010 at midnight CST.

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What if I already purchased something from Caden Lane and/or completed some of the above tasks without even being tempted by a killer prize?

Then you are among our favorite people! So don’t worry, just email us with any of the above task(s) that you’ve completed along with your order number. We will enter you accordingly. BUT YOU MUST EMAIL US WITH YOUR ENTRIES. PREVIOUS AND CURRENT ORDERS FOR JULY WILL NOT BE AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED. IN OTHER WORDS, YOU HAVE TO PLAY TO WIN. 

How will you pick the winner?

The winner will be selected using an online random number generator; and announced on the Caden Lane blog by September 10, 2010.  

Why did you pick a gift card for Southwest as the other choice for a prize?

Because Caden Lane is about exploring, traveling, and always making time for a little insanity break from the hubbie and kiddos! Grab your best girlfriends and plan a last minute trip somewhere fun – but first make sure they have a spa! We chose Southwest simply because they are our favorite airline, and because they give drink coupons. J Southwest did not solicit our opinion. Caden Lane is not affiliated with Southwest, and Southwest is not sponsoring this contest in any way whatsoever.

Why is the shopping spree at NurseryCouture.com?

NurseryCouture.com has compiled a wonderful assortment of furniture, decor, bedding, accessories, and gifts all that coordinate with Caden Lane. With your $2000 shopping spree (which can include Caden Lane product or not) the talented designers at Nursery Couture will help your design your dream nursery! Over the phone/email of course, unless you live in the San Antonio area – only then might they make a house visit for you! And yes, NurseryCouture.com is affiliated with Caden Lane.

Will I have bad karma if I don’t pick the donation?

No, don’t feel bad. We just wanted to offer it. We love every charity that involves the safety and health of children. We donate thousands of dollars worth of product to these types of charities every year, and we hope everyone on some level gives on. The charity you choose to make the donation to must be a qualified charitable organization.

More details:

No purchase is necessary to win. Please do not contact us to make sure that we received your information. If you choose the shopping spree on NurseryCouture.com it applies to all in stock merchandise. Shipping fees will be calculated into the total, and the free shipping promo does not apply. Any amount above the $2,000 credit must be paid for by the winner before the products ship. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. This contest is void in Puerto Rico, and where prohibited by law. It is solely your responsibility to ensure that contests like this one are not prohibited by the laws in your area. Contest subject to all applicable federal, state, and local law regulations. Actual prize awards will be sent only when you prove your eligibility with an affidavit. If you win, and live outside the US, you are responsible for all shipping costs incurred in sending your prize including all taxes, customs, brokerage, or any other related fees. Caden Lane is not responsible for delays in receiving your prize caused by Customs clearance, or anything else that is beyond our control. Videos and/or photos that are offensive, vulgar or attack any individual or company will be automatically disqualified.  By participating, entrants agree to these official rules and accept decisions of Caden Lane INC as final. This promotion is offered in the United States only and shall only be construed and evaluated according to United States law. By participating, you agree that Caden Lane and its employees will have no liability for any injury, loss, or damages of any  kind to persons, including death, and property, due in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from the acceptance, possession, use, or misuse of a prize or participation in this contest. By entering, you agree that Caden Lane, and those acting under its authority, may use your name, likeness and/or voice, and the video(s) you submit as an entry for advertising and promotional purposes in any media without limitation and without further consideration, unless prohibited by law. By entering, you agree that Caden Lane shall have all rights to copy, edit, broadcast, publish, and use your photos/videos, in whole or in part without further compensation, both during and after the contest, unless prohibited by law.

Unclaimed prize (after seven days) will be forfeited and awarded to an alternate winner. Prize is not transferrable or redeemable for cash.

HAVE FUN AND GOOD LUCK! 

“You get what you pay for.” I’ve always believed so. In a time where fast fashion has become such a trend, a cheap price tag can be a huge deterrent when compared to a higher priced item that seems to look the same! But don’t rely just on the price – sometimes it can make you spend even more in the long run!

Don’t get me wrong, I know the Target isles as well as anyone else. And I am always happy to purchase the latest trend from the strategically designed end caps with pretty red sale tags. But years of retail therapy have taught me that the $12.99 purchase is just that. If I plan on washing my trendy $12 shirt more than two times, then I need to consider purchasing a new one. In fact, if it’s something I may use for several years… perhaps I should just invest in the original high-quality item that Target so masterfully knocked off!

This rule does not only apply to apparel, the same goes for a lot of baby products too! Let’s take furniture for example. Oeuf was one of the first modern nursery furniture companies to introduce the platform minimalist crib. Slick white lacquer and a walnut wood base is a timeless masterpiece of modern-crib-goodness. The Oeuf Classic Crib retails for $920.

Now – look at the pictures below. One of the cribs below is the Babyletto crib from Babies R Us, and is only $359. Can you tell the difference?

Look similar? Probably because it’s an almost exact knock-off of the original modern platform crib by Oeuf. And if you are shopping online… it would be hard to even see the craftsmanship of each crib. My gut tells me that the crib that’s twice as expensive probably consists of higher quality materials, perhaps has a better warranty, and is built stronger…. but my wallet is telling me that the cheaper crib allows room in my budget for the designer crib bedding I want!

What’s the right decision you ask? I don’t know. I say do whatever allows for you to pick the bedding you want! Ha! Seriously though, purchasing furniture that you will use for several babies is an investment. If you want to buy one crib that will last for 2-4 babies, go for quality. If you want to change it up with every pregnancy… then keep it cheap. Chances are in the end, it will all add up to about the same.

Happy Shopping!

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Happy Birthday Boss Lady!!! We wish you and Cade the happiest Birthday!

P.S. Dont confuse your wine with his grape juice.. it happens when you get old. J/K

We love you..

Love the girls!!

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Bath Time Fun!!

At Nursery Couture we have tons of bath gifts to choose from; Infant Hooded Towels, Toddler Hooded Towels  and Rubber Ducky Toys! Pinks, Blues, Greens, Reds, you name it we have it!

If you ask any mommy or  grandma Bath Time is one of the most memorable moments.  Make the most of Bath Time with bath toys and hooded towels. You can always call us at Nursery Couture (210-494-2627)  to have your Hooded Towel Monogrammed! You will always remember the precious pictures of your little baby wrapped in a hooded towel. How cute are the animal ones??

Wrap your little one up in a warm Hooded Towel to make those memories one of a kind!

 

1st Birthday Attire 

The very first birthday can be such a memorable moment!! Why not celebrate it in style?? I love when all the mommies are looking for that perfect outfit for their precious little one to wear for their special day. There is always one winner for the little girls. Tutu’s!!! I love them! It’s like every aspect of a little girl all rolled up into one skirt full of ribbons, bows, and glitter. Have no worries when it comes time to pick a color, it’s not all about pink anymore.  Your little fashionistas can pick from the prettiest colors you can imagine!  (Great Birthday tutu’s on www.nurserycouture.com coming soon!) 

Fear not my mommies with little boys, times have definitely changed and the evolution of baby boy products has begun.  A monogrammed shirt or onsie with your little one’s name can be just perfect for your little man.  For the finishing touch I would recommend the Prince Birthday Hat & the Birthday Girl Hat by Mud Pie!  All your guests are bound to recognize the 1-year-old of the hour in those adorable hats! 

 

Best Baby Gifts - by Amy Chollett

Looking for the best baby gifts can be a little tricky. I can honestly say the last 3 showers I have been to have been clothes galore, which is fine but it’s not my cup of tea. We have the top selling gifts!! The number one question we get for Nursery Couture is what the best baby gift is. Obviously you would like to give the perfect shower and not a remake of something that’s been done.

 Trumpette – Rhinestone Mary Jane Keepsake $38. I love it!! It is even cuter in person. Mommys can write on the bottom of the shoe the babys name, weight and birth date. How cute is that?? I am definitely buying this for the next shower gift. The shoe comes in Pink or Black.

GOODBYE PLAIN WHITE PIGGY BANK…HELLO ADORABLE RHINESTONE SHOE.   

 

Angel Deer Lovies – These lovies are so soft and a must have by far. $13 a pop you can buy more than 1.  The best advice is to get 1 for the car, 1 for the nursery, 1 for the diaper bag, etc! Babies will always need some type of security blanket, and this is it!  The lovies are a sell out in our store so make sure you grab it fast!

 

Caden Lane Burp Sets – $29. The more burps the better, and especially if they are unique. These burp cloths are one of a kind. Designer Katy Mimari designed the prints so you won’t find anything like these. Plain burp cloths are boring; find a printed one for a special gift!

We are very lucky to work with some of the best online retailers! Check out our awesome review at PureandHonestKids.com or on their BLOG. According to them, we are the “idyllic crib bedding set” – ahhhh, thanks guys! We love ya’ll too!