NURSERY SCHOOL

I will never forget my first day of nursery school. During the forced nap time I wet my bed and had to wear underpants supplied by the school, sporting a giant stamp across the bottom which read, "Property of Ripley's Daycare." Believe it or not, I kept the underpants for years after that horrifying ordeal. What did I learn from the experience? Peeing in public can be terribly embarrassing! Also, if a room is comfortable enough almost anyone can relax and fall asleep. When faced with the challenge of creating a warm, comfortable nursery without bursting the budget bubble, I used a few inexpensive tips to make the homeowners so happy they almost tinkled!

THE PRINCESS AND THE PEE:

If you have a newborn, finding time to sleep let alone decorate a nursery is a challenge. Here are a few interesting, affordable tips I've used that aren't labor intensive, keeping in mind it's the little things in a nursery that mean alot:

1.) Make it different: I found paper hanging lights at Cost Plus and Pier1. They're cheap, throw great light and give something fun for baby to stare at.

2.) Adding texture and visually stimulating items to a wall is easy by using poster puddy and store-bought butterflies (Michael's arts and crafts). Place them high enough so they're out of reach, and stick them in fun formation on the wall.

3.) Create a memory clothesline by placing string along the wall (again high enough so out of babies reach) and nail every 12". Purchase mini-clothespins at the craft store and hang favorite photos, drawings, letters from Grandma, etc.

You don't have to have an art degree to design a fun, colorful nursery!

TIME TO COMPLETE TASK: One day

COST: Paint: $16.99, paper lantern from Cost Plus $6.99, butterflies (package) $3.99

STRESS LEVEL: Getting an education in inexpensive decorating: LOW