ucdeidre's Profile

The biggest rule we've had to institute in our house is limits on the grandparents! Hubs and I are very lucky to have such generous parents, but we've really had to rein them in from the past two Christmases. Basic rule for them is no limits on clothes or books, but they can't go beyond 2 toys. But overall, we just think of a budget for each person we're buying for and just stay within that monetary limit. It allows us to be flexible on the amount of presents and/or how major they are.

I have to echo the other posters. You have some great ideas and the colors are wonderful. The low-key safari vibe is very cool. I also appreciate anyone who cane make a nursery out of an existing functional room!

But if you're planning on the baby spending time in here beyond sleeping or being changed, you may want to pare down on some of the accessories. A newborn wouldn't be squirmy enough for this room, but lookout in a few months! The changing area would have to be sparse if you don't want your little one grabbing and knocking over things on a constant basis. Books will be pulled out of the bookcase and pictures on low tables will be knocked down too. This can totally be a functional nursery in the beginning stages, but just keep in mind that you will probably have to make adjustments as the kid gets older and more active. Good luck!

Shrimp and grits for the Carolina girl, please!

I'm wondering...as a thank you to your mama for letting you back in the home, could you offer to help her clean up the place a bit? It's still overall her home and her say, but this could be a nice way for you to show gratitude for her sacrifice and hopefully pare down a bit on the clutter that stresses you out so much. Maybe have a couple of weekends to go through old items and help donate some and trash others. Of course, you would have to keep in mind that it's ultimately up to her if a) she even wants to have any sort of clean-up, and b) if she does, it's her decision what goes and what stays. Good luck!

Number 7 is so important! It's tough to be the new kid. And it's key to remember that there are all kinds of moving. Some kids move into a new house in the same town -- they may get to stay at the same school with same friends, but a new home can still be an adjustment. Ditto for kids who stay in the same house but maybe have to switch schools (districts change or they shift from public to private school, etc). Even if it's not a full location move (new home, town, and school), the changes can be tough on kids. Either way, there are great tips to be had here for all kinds of moves. Great post!

Sullivan's Island is a treasure, and y'all are very lucky to live there. I love that you stayed true to your own design sensibility as well as some of the traditions of the surrounding area. It's a very interesting combination of styles. This made me want to go crabbing and stop off at Poe's Tavern for a burger.

This is lovely -- mishmash of color is always so cheerful and quirky in kids rooms. I adore the bedstead! I'm currently on the hunt for something similar for my daughter...is there a particular style this is called that would help with my search?