LABOR PAIN

In 1894 Congress made Labor Day a Federal holiday in order to give working citizens a day off. After carrying a child for nine months and suffering through labor, don't you deserve a break too? If you're expecting, do the unexpected with your baby's room to make it fun and relaxing for everyone who enters! I hate to make a federal case of this, but if I see one more yellow, pink or blue nursery, so help me God!! Here are a few, simple, inexpensive ways to break tradition and deliver something fresh, new and exciting...trust me, it's not as painful as you might think!

WHAT CAN BROWN DO FOR YOU?

Breaking from Tradition is tough, I know, but give it a try..I'm sure it won't make you cry! The photo above, I believe, is a perfect example of creating a soothing, beautiful, functional space for a new arrival. Painting the walls a deep, warm brown is a good start..boys, girls, men and women will love it. This photo focuses on the changing table where simple touches make for big change: the changing table from Ikea includes glass doors so contents are easy to see, the squiggly mirror above it (also from Ikea) gives your baby something to focus on while you do the dirty work, shelves hung above make diapers, wipes, etc. easily accessible and hanging low-voltage rope lighting on the bottom shelf (above table) offer dim light for late night diaper changes. Trust me, your hard labor is well worth the pain!

TIME TO COMPLETE TASK: 1 day

COST: Paint $35.00 (Benjamin Moore's Chatam Tan), Changing Table $199.99 at Ikea, Mirror $9.99 at Ikea, low voltage rope lighting $29.99 at Home Depot

STRESS LEVEL: Little Pain on Labor Day: LOW