pipe creek's Profile

I think parents who ban the kids from the bedroom are missing out on one of the great joys of parenthood. Your three year old didn't do anything but access something that was completely accessible... and pretend to be a forklift at the same time (that's a good thing!). It's too bad your neighbor didn't react with more sense of humor.

Lesson learned: lock up the personal stuff with the pharmaceuticals, precious treasures and other items that you have out of kid reach already. And let your boy explore!

Of course it will work in America! Anyone ever heard of Sky Vegetables? It's happening right now...

http://www.skyvegetables.com/

Contact them about their projects in Massachusetts and the Bronx. Very inspiring.

We used 1/2" plumbing pipe stretching from wall to wall with flanges screwed into the wall studs, about 15" down from the ceiling. It's incredibly strong and you never have to worry about hanging too many clothes likes you do with retractable cords. A full-grown man could do pull-ups on the bar if he wanted to. I hang things on hangers to dry or just toss larger things like blankets right over the bar.

Two more to add:

1. Statement light fixtures in every room. You know, the crazy chandeliers with beads and trinkets and crystals -- in the bedroom, the bathroom, over the dining table -- Not every light fixture needs to start a conversation! I think the statement-light-fixture trend is going to look very dated very soon.

2. Remodeling kitchens with no overhead cabinets. If you love the look of open shelves, go for it! But I promise those shelves will collect dust, your dishes will need to be rinsed before you use them, and you'll get tired of seeing the clutter on your walls in a hurry!

3. And a quick yes! to add to the gallery wall phenomena...so tired of seeing "uncluttered, modern open spaces" that are actually incredibly cluttered with pictures hanging inches apart all over the walls! Again, a trend that's going to look dated fast any minute now.

This room is adorable, but just a note of caution... even when antique toys don't test positive for lead paint, lead can still be present. The test kits are notoriously unreliable.

We had several antique trucks and cars when my son was 2 and my daughter was born. They had all come out clean on the lead test kits from the hardware store. At 2, my son was old enough not to put his hands in his mouth all the time, so he was fine handling the trucks, but my daughter loved to suck on her fingers. When we had her lead tested at her first birthday check-up, her lead level was elevated -- just slightly, but enough to send me into a panic! We cleaned out all the antique toys and six months later her blood lead level was back to normal.

Just a little warning for those who might be inspired to break out the old trucks and toys in an infant's nursery...