Delightful Discounts

Don't forget to take advantage of these discounts.  The holidays aren't that far out...it's never too early to do a little gift shopping.

This wooden teether ($12) by Little Sapling Toys is eco-friendly (naturally anti-bacterial, non-allergenic, and non-toxic) .  When it's not drool covered and in use, it would be a perfect bit of art for the bookshelf.  Enjoy a 10% discount on your purchase with the coupon code "NEXTSTOP10" (valid between 9/19/11 and 10/10/11).  

Clothing is a necessity for growing babies who outgrow their fabulous wardrobes on a weekly basis.  This wool coat is only one of the many handmade treats available at The Nutmeg Tree Etsy shop.  Receive 15% off our purchase with the coupon code "TATORTOT"

The personalized growth chart below is made by Petite Lemon and comes in poster paper or canvas.  There is a game of "Can You Find?" hidden throughout the vibrant design.  Receive a 15% discount off any item on the Petite Lemon website with the coupon code "NEXTSTOP15"

Tons more discounts and vendor promotions can be found HERE.  Enjoy.

Something's Fishy With This Nursery

Enough with all the owls.  Yes, everyone loves them.  Everyone wants to have owl themed baby showers and owl themed nurseries and owl themed lives.  They're great, but let's not leave out the rest of the animal kingdom.  Today, it's all about the fishies.  I recognize that fish aren't the cutest or cuddliest of creatures.  Perhaps lions or sheep would have been a more logical choice to follow the trendy owl?  Oh well.  I went with fish and I am so smitten with each of these lovely products.

1. Fresh fish pillow by Mimi Kirchner ($75)

2. Red carp screen printed mini pillow by minimonos ($33)

3. Goldfish pillow by Little Korboose ($25)

This fantastic light switch ($12) cover is made by Turn Me On Art (ha!).  These are trout, yes?  Mixing realistic fish decor with whimsical and cartoonish fish decor is great for creating a cohesive feel without the matchy matchy effect.

This wooden teether ($12) by Little Sapling Toys is eco-friendly (naturally anti-bacterial, non-allergenic, and non-toxic) .  When it's not drool covered and in use, it would be a perfect bit of art for the bookshelf.  Enjoy a 10% discount on your purchase with the coupon code "NEXTSTOP10" (valid between 9/19/11 and 10/10/11).  

Three Eggs makes this Under the Sea hanging mobile ($98).  Each mobile is made to order and the colors can be customized, check out the Etsy shop for all the options.

This fish shaped key/coat/thing hook is made by TR Woodworks.  There are fifteen color choices to paint the piece of reclaimed wood - again, eco-friendly, love it.

Below are two beautiful and different fish prints.  The first is by Gallerie Anais ($14) and the second is by Nella Designs ($15).  

by Gallerie Anais

by Nella Designs

Ice Cream Sundae Baby Shower, Cherry on Top

Who doesn't LOVE ice cream sundaes?  An ice cream themed baby shower is great because it's simple, it's fun and it works for a boy, girl or surprise.  It's probably best for a spring, summer or fall baby shower, but adding a little hot fudge or hot chocolate could certainly make it work in winter.  Filling small glass bowls with colorful and varied toppings will be a decoration all unto itself.  As you'll see, powder blue/turquoise, pink and light gray were the most commonly used color palette.

The Invitation

The first invitations are made by Loralee Lewis.  The font and scalloped edges are perfectly old school.  I want to be drinking a strawberry frappe out of an oversized straw, stat.

by Loralee Lewis

Itsy Bitsy Paper makes the next invitation.  It's sweet and simple, and the color combination is customizable.  Use the coupon code "NEXTSTOPBABY" to receive a 20% discount on your purchase.

by Itsy Bitsy Paper

I can't decide if this next invitation by Embellished Paper has a classic or mod feel, but I love it either way.  Use the coupon code "BLOGBABY" to receive a 20% discount on customized invitations.

by Embellished Paper

The Decorations

Belva June designed the printable package below.  It includes invitations, thank you cards, circles for cupcake toppers, labels and gift tags, food labels, drink wraps, 8 x 10 poster and a tri-colored banner.

by Belva June

This ice cream cone confetti by Creating Your Memories is delightful.  The color combo below is "mint chocolate chip" and check out the Etsy shop for more options.  Use the coupon code "nextstopbaby" to receive 15% off your purchase!  Sweet.

by Creating Your Memories

This printable package by Anna and Blue is cost effective and covers all the bases.  For only $15.00 you receive printable files for an invitation, banner, bottle wrappers, gift tags/labels, place cards, favor tags, cake toppers, a welcome sign...and more!  Receive a 30% discount off any items in this shop with the coupon code "icecream30".

by Anna and Blue

The Favors

Sending the guests home with actual ice cream could be a tricky, but these ice cream shaped cookies (made by Fun Sugar Cookies) take away the melt factor while maintaining the delicious theme.

by Fun Sugar Cookies

The ice cream scoop below is from Crate and Barrel and would make perfect gift for the winner of a baby shower game.  Maybe a game of who can guess closer: how many ice cream scoops does the unborn baby weigh?  Okay, that might be weird and difficult to calculate.  

Your guests would love sprinkles for some future ice cream sundaes.  The colorful ones below can be found at Sur la table and Amazon.com.

via Amazon.com

Baby Bonkie Giveaway

Katrina who loves the "Marie" baby bonkie is the winner!!! 

***This giveaway is now closed***

First, I told you about the Baby Bonkie.  Then, I showed you my mean swaddling skills thanks to the Baby Bonkie.  Now I want to give you a Baby Bonkie.  Or, technically, the generous folks at Baby Bonkie want to give you a FREE Baby Bonkie. 



Prize: One Baby Bonkie ($64-$68 value)
How to enter (and win):  Go to the Baby Bonkie website, check out all the amazing bonkies and post a comment (on this blog, BELOW) about your favorite bonkie.  And that's it.  One entry per email address.
Enter by: Friday, August 12th, 2011 at 5 pm (EST)
Number of Winners: One
Shipping: US only
Winner Announcement:  One winner will be selected using http://www.random-draw.org/ and posted on Friday (8/12/11) night.  So, check back!

My favorites are below - the Lily and the Owen. 




"Lily"



"Owen"



Nautical Baby Shower, Ahoy Baby!

With summer officially upon us, I figured it was high tide...ehem, time (ha)... for a nautical themed baby shower post.  This theme could include the full seascape - yacht steering wheels, anchors, seagulls, starfish, ocean waves, sea creatures and critters galore - or something more specific like sailing or whales.  The most common color scheme is navy blue, turquoise and red with white and splashes of yellow.  Seashells and thick rope are easy and cheap decor additions.

The Invitations

The first invitation by Less Orginary Designs almost had me wanting to do a strictly whale themed baby shower post.  I love the 70's feel.  Whale Love.  It can be self-printed or printed by Less Ordinary Designs.  Receive a 10% discount on all invitations (print packages only) through 10/31/11 if you mention Next Stop Baby in your purchase comment.

by Less Ordinary Designs

The next invitation by Delightfully Notes is completely different - it has a preppy vibe and features a sweet sailboat.  Receive a 20% discount on all items (except custom party packages) with the coupon code "nextstop20" (expires 7/14/11).

by Delightfully Notes

I love the original color palette used in this last invitation by Paper by Jill M. - playful and modern.  Paper by Jill M. is offering FREE matching, print-your-own address labels with the purchase of any invitation in her Etsy shop - just mention Next Stop Baby in your purchase comment (valid through 7/20/11).

by Paper by Jill M.

The Menu

Drinks - Spritzers.  Add seltzer water to just about anything to spritz it up.  My favorite combination is pomegranate juice, lime juice and lime-flavored seltzer water.  For the alcohol drinking guests, some pre-mixed and garnished sea breezes (vodka, cranberry juice and grapefruit juice) would be ideal.

Food - Seafood of course.  Finger foods like shrimp cocktail and bacon wrapped scallops are always crowd pleasers.  But, these are also expensive options.  Mini tuna sandwiches (crush cut off and some fresh lettuce) and goldfish are more economical choices.  Use marine themed cookie cutters (below) to make some festive treats or just purchase the octopus cookies (below) by Chocolate by Kim who is offering NSB readers free shipping on all orders over $40 (contact shop for details).

by Chocolate by Kim

via Amazon.com

The Decorations

This nautical banner by Blue Moon Studio would be a perfect for the baby shower and could be used afterward as nursery or playroom decor.

by Blue Moon Studios

Use this anchor shaped confetti by Aubree Lane to decorate the refreshment table.

by Aubree Lane

Mama Matryoshka makes the cupcake toppers below.  You can order all of one design or a mixed batch.  Receive a 10% discount on your order with the coupon code "NEXTSTOPBABY" (expires 7/14/11).

by Mama Matryoshka

The Favors

This sand dollar ornament is hand cut, painted and fired in a kiln by Concepts in Clay, making each piece slightly unique and, as you can see, making each piece beautiful.  If you mention this blog in your purchase comment you will receive a free "Maine Pine Tree Pin".

by Concepts in Clay

Peter Rabbit Nursery

All my Winnie the Pooh baby shower ideas and nostalgia led to the collection of these sweet items for a Peter Rabbit themed nursery.  Compared to Pooh, Tigger and crew, Peter and his family were far less lively.  Yes, Peter was constantly getting his mischievous self into trouble and barely slipping out of the Gardner's clutches, but Beatrix Potter painted a soft and serene rabbit world - a world that seems ideally suited for a nursery.  These pieces share a vintage vibe and common color palette of sky blue, wheat and white.  And what could be more cuddly than a cute, little rabbit?  By the way, I actually found a book entitled Create Your Own Peter Rabbit Nursery...which is comically specific, but highly rated by the 2 people who reviewed it on Amazon.com

Pottery Barn Kids makes Peter Rabbit bedding (below) and a valance, nightlight and stroller blanket. 

by Pottery Barn Kids

I am truly taken with this beautiful creation by Celadon Home.  This 12" x 12" art is a collection of heart shaped cutouts that tell the story of Peter Rabbit.  It is both modern and vintage and would be a unique addition to your nursery.  Use the coupon code "THANKS10" to a receive 10% discount on your purchase.

by Celadon Home

by Celadon Home

Storytime Art by Lori Biebel makes both the Peter Rabbit clothing hooks and growth chart seen below.  They can be personalized by adding a name for no extra charge and NSB readers will receive free shipping when they mention this blog in their purchase comment.

by Storytime Art

by Storytime Art

These wooden blocks are hand cut and the edges are filed down for a vintage, worn look.  Enter the coupon code "BABY15" for a 15% discount off your purchase.

by Holly Licari

This toy chest is hand-painted by Originals by Barb Mazur.  It is made to order and customized. Check out the top that has the child's name (Eli) and date of birth (8-15-01).

by Originals by Barb Mazur

You may also want to pick up Peter himself.

via Amazon.com

Winnie the Pooh Baby Shower, T-t-t-ttttterrific

Last week I told you about my childhood (and adulthood) love of Winnie the Pooh in my post on Things You Must Have a Baby To Do.  This week, I'm continuing my tribute to the Disney classic with ideas on hosting a Pooh Bear themed baby shower.  It's naturally a gender neutral choice and the predominant colors of honey yellow and sage green emphasize this.  

The Invitations

I love the vintage look of this invitation by Shutterbug Sentiments.  It's a digital file, so you buy the image and print as many invitations as you need.

by Shutterbug Sentiments

Design Serendipity makes this invitation and can also make matching cupcake toppers, place cards and signs - just ask.

by Design Serendipity

The Menu

Drinks - Hot tea, just like Christopher Robin served Pooh and friends, with all kinds of flavor choices.  For the summer, try lemonade and iced tea.  Click HERE for a super simple Apple and Honey Iced Tea recipe from epicurious.com.  

Food - Honey, haycorns and thistles would be ideal, but being that the latter two are figments of Christopher Robin's imagination, stick with honey.  Check out all the delicious honey foods below.  

via The Knead for Speed
This Honey Bee Cornmeal Cupcake is straight out of 
the Hundred Acre Woods as far as I can tell 
(click HERE for the recipe).  

via Baking and Books
This Spiced Honey Cake (click HERE for the recipe) 
looks so delicious I want to lick my computer screen.

by Vintage Confections
A bowl of honey hard candies like the ones below 
from Vintage Confections would look and taste golden.

  

The Decorations

These paper circles by dmk Supply can easily be made into cupcake toppers by attaching a toothpick or lollipop stick.  They are made from the original 1964 children's book. 

by dmk Supply

This confetti by Joy in the Journey comes in three different shapes: Pooh himself, Piglet and the two friends together.  I love the tan plaid.  Use the coupon code "summer10" for 10% off your purchase.

by Joy in the Journey

by Joy in the Journey

Here's an idea for an inexpensive and fitting centerpiece: a hurricane/vase full of acorns. Of course living near an Oak tree (in the fall) would make this DIY project sure thing, but if that's not the case go to the Acorno Wedding Guide website to buy yourself some acorns by the pound.  

via The Simple Day

The burlap material used to make these flags by Celebrate With Fun has a natural, woodsy feel that will work perfectly with the Pooh bear theme.  The words can be customized to read "Sweet Treats" (hang it above the refreshment table) or "Baby Last Name" or "Congratulations Mom-to-be-Name."

by Celebrate With Fun

The Games

This game requires guests to match the the Disney movie with its famous song.  Made by a Princess is also hosting an awesome GIVEAWAY - after you head to their Etsy shop and see all the cool stuff they make and sell, check back for details to be posted later today.

by Made by a Princess

The Favors

42 Things makes upcycled products, including this awesome Winnie the Pooh bookmark - a great, eco-friendly favor or gift for a winner of a baby shower game.  Use the coupon code "DOGDAYS10" for a 10% discount on your purchase through June 30, 2011.

by 42 Things

    

I love (and own) one of these honey dippers from Crate and Barrel that would be a perfect favor for your Winnie the Pooh baby shower.

via Crate and Barrel

The Thank You Cards

With all the gifts the momma-to-be will receive it's likely she'll need a thank you card or two.  These gorgeous thank you cards are hand painted by For Stationery Sake (also featured in Summer Baby Shower, Bzzzz).  Truth be told, I'm obsessed with this Etsy crafter.  Not only is she offering 10% off any item in her shop with the coupon code "NEXSTOP", she is also GIVING AWAY this set of thank you cards.  CLICK HERE to enter!!!  Now that is sweet.

by For Stationery Sake

by For Stationery Sake