*SarahB's Profile

A lovely, fun and colorful room for a little girl. But have to agree on the safety issue of the decorations. I have read too many tragic news stories of young kids getting hurt and worse - when it comes to young children's bedrooms you can never be too cautious - and please everyone ensure your furniture is securely attached to the wall.

We are overseas from family so that limits the amount of big/cheap presents our kids get. I am a bit of a admitted control freak, as I like to research and carefully think about what would be the best thing to get for them. I prefer them to be able to get the most out of their presents without being overwhelmed.

This year my eldest (4) is going to get playmobil for the first time and I have picked out two biggish playsets for her, other than that she will get a couple of games for us to play with her and in her stocking craft stuff, a book, candy, stickers.

I would much rather she got a couple of good quality toys than 10 cheap, gimmicky ones - however she is not really old enough to be influenced by peers yet so I am sure that phase will come.

The baby is only 6 months by Christmas so will not get much just a token gift or two and some clothes.

I also do a Christmas Eve "Hamper" with new pjs, hot chocolate mix, popcorn, bath bomb and a new DVD.

Another simpler version that I have heard of is that all the guest contribute just $2, which the birthday boy or girl uses to buy one big(ger) gift for themselves. Solves the problem of too many presents and is nice and cheap for the guests.

I guess it skips the lessons on saving/charity but there are other times for that (donating unwanted toys or saving money from relatives etc.).

Personally I don't think guests should have to contribute money just so your child gets to save a bit or give it to charity.

Cedar is actually considered a 'green' product and better for the environment in the longterm than using man-made materials.

http://www.wrcea.org/environment-sustainability/environment/overview.htm

We have a fireplace in our new townhouse, it is gas with glass doors - can anyone tell me if you should have the doors open or closed when it is on?

Hardly any heat comes out if they are shut, but is it dangerous to have them open?

thanks

If it was me I would paint the cabinets, don't worry about future buyers too much, it is YOUR house right now, so make it your own.
If the cabinets look dated now they are only going to look worse in five years. Paint them white/off white, replace countertop with budget friendly butcher block, change the hardware to some modern handles. Buy stainless steel appliances. Fresh paint on the walls and a nice colourful rug and your done. (and do everything the editor suggested too)

Not really related to the X topic, but I bought the Pottery Barn Ikat pattern (shown on cushion) bedding set for 75% off last weekend...

Thanks for the lovely comments. The white lamp is from a local Vancouver store - it is ceramic.

I think you have made a great start on your place. My advice is the lovely bedroom wallpaper would be shown off better if you change the bedding and blind to coordinate more by using different shades of blues, beiges, whites.

ooooh this is gorgeous! If you every fancy a holiday in Vancouver I'll 'house' swap with you...