selina's Profile

How about just not using one?

I had the same issues with having a big, hulking plastic thing in the living area. While we finally had to break down and live with a mechanical swing for 3 months since we had such sleeping and fussing early on, we did skip the activity center. All of our friends had one and I thought I needed one too. Totally didn't and won't. We have a few mobile stations for our son to set up near by us. Since he can sit up, we lay down a blanket folded enough to be padded and an assortment of toys for him to play with. I can do this in the kitchen while I prep meals, in our office, his room and in the dining room. His mobility skills are great and he's super strong from always holding himself up and having to lean and reach for his own toys. We've done this since before he could sit up.

As for a bouncer seat, the Baby Bjorn worked for us to have a safe place to set him down while we did things before he could sit up. We like the look of it and it does clean and pack well. However, he had to be entertained by us, and it never soothed him into sleep.

What do you think is an appropriate age to start allowing a child to use an iphone/touch/pad? I have always heard that children should be kept from televisions until age two, but I'm not sure exactly why.

Poinsettia stems can be very stunning in a cut arrangement. TIP: burn/singe the cut end before putting it in water. They're like poppies and will wilt quickly if you don't. They'll last for many days if you do!

Does anyone have tips on restoring the chrome plated Bertoia chairs? We inherited 6 (!) that lived outdoors since the 80's. They're not in terrible shape, just some rusting and rough spots, but not so good looking for indoors. Thanks!

I think it is artificial too. It looks like an exaggerated version of Dracaena compacta. Check it out here: http://www.plantsforhomes.co.uk/plants/draecenacompacta.htm

As long as the planter is not receiving full, direct sun on it, tillandsias, aka "air plants," would be a great choice. Fill the planter with a few interesting looking stones of different sizes. Select a large specimen tillandsia and some other, smaller sizes to fill in. All you will have to do is mist them on dry days and take them to the sink for a 5 minute soak once every 1-2 weeks. No moving the planter or worrying about drainage! Plus they're available in the coolest shapes and colors and are super design-y looking.

I love the Macoun apples! I can't find them in Santa Cruz, CA. I brought a whole bag of them back with me in my carry-on last fall!