liz b's Profile

beautiful!

I think stating "no gifts please" or suggesting specific gifts is distasteful. I invite people to my kids' parties because they are significant to my children or our family. I don't feel it is appropriate to obligate them in any way with a suggested gift or insisting they don't give at all. Let them decide.

When I've given monetary gifts, I usually spring for $2 bills. The kids probably haven't seen them much (or at all) and since they have that quality of being "special" they are apt to save them.

I converted a cylindrical shaped plastic hamper into a way cool storage bin for my daughter's stuffed toys using a laundry bag from Target by Orla Kiely a couple of years ago... however I dropped the hamper down into the bag since it had an adorable print and featured the same colors of the room. It hides the plastic altogether!
I've since found a nice grey geometric print laundry bag to convert my son's hamper in the same fashion. It requires no effort whatsoever and transforms an otherwise ugly utilitarian piece into a coordinating accent for the kids' rooms.

@greengage & clexa: you may want to try the Fieldcrest Royal Velvet line of towels, and I think they are still available at BB&B, as well as most traditional department stores. They've been around for a few decades and are a great quality for an affordable price. If you can find the regular ones (not the Big & Soft) they are a nice medium weight and size, not too big, not too plush. To get the slight abrasiveness you're looking for (@ greengage) skip the liquid fabric softener. I've found that too much of it will amp up that slimy-ness you've described. I don't use it at all, and just throw in a dryer sheet--and the towels seem to absorb water instead of sliding it around your body!

What a fantastic room! You have solved the problem I've been struggling with--choosing a wall color that will work with accessories of many colors. You've made apple green work in the best possible way. I hope your entry is the winner!