Looking for an easy update? Why not go for a quick dip!

Paint-dipped projects, like this beautiful, candy-colored ice-cream parlor chair and desk by Natalie over at Natty by Design, are popping up all over the place, and I'm loving the trend.

What could be easier? A little masking tape and a quick paint job, and Ta-Da! You've got a brand new statement piece!  You can also dip accessories, like lamps or storage baskets, for a quick splash of color - a quick and easy way to capitalize on the current color-blocking craze without spending a fortune.

There's something fun and mischievous about the look that makes it a great choice for kids' rooms.  It's like looking at a toddler up to her elbows in finger paint. You can't help but smile and think, "just what did you get into my little friend?"

How do you feel about the paint-dip trend? Love it? Hate it? Share your thoughts!

(Photo Courtesy of Natty by Design.)

If you're expecting a baby soon, chances are you have been hard at work creating the perfect new home for your new arrival. You may have even taken the time to childproof your nursery already, ensuring your child will be protected from obvious hazards like electrical wires and long, loose blind cords. But before you give the all clear on nursery safety, you may want to read this list of 5 Common and Potentially Dangerous Nursery Decorating Mistakes.

As parents, we want nothing but the best for our children. We prime and paint and primp away until our nurseries are everything we imagined. But in our effort to make everything look just right, many of us unwittingly sacrifice safety.

As a new parent, it's hard to imagine that something as seemingly innocuous as a poorly placed picture frame could ever hurt your little one, but your little bundle won't stay little long, and toddlers are practically experts in finding ways to hurt themselves. Trust me! The tip about not using tablecloths? I learned that one the hard way! I never guessed my baby girl would try to pull that Houdini-caliber trick at the tender age of one!

If you've already finished your nursery, check to see if your décor poses any threat, and be sure to make changes where you can.

Just getting started? Consider yourself forewarned! It may be frustrating to make changes to your design plan, but getting it right the first time will save you time and money, and hopefully, a few toddler-sized tears.

Got a safety tip of your own? Share it with us!

(Photo Courtesy of Terry Vine/Getty Images.)

Earth Day is about taking a moment to reflect on how we can make a difference in our world.

Personally, I believe that my opportunity to make a difference begins with my little girl. As parents, it is our responsibility to encourage an early love of nature in our children and help them to grow into environmentally conscious adults, ensuring that our environment will be protected for generations to come.

However you choose to celebrate the earth this weekend, be sure to get the kiddies involved. Need some inspiration? Here are a few fun Earth Day ideas you can share with your little ones:

• Baby on the way? Why not plant a tree in honor of your soon-to-be-born bundle of joy. It may be a few years before your child comes to appreciate the gesture, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy watching them grow together!

• Planning a nursery or updating your child's room? Go green! By choosing organic, sustainable materials for your little one, you will be doing your part to protect our beautiful world for the children of the future. What's more, ecofriendly designs are stylish! Need some inspiration? Check out some of the gorgeous recycled collage art available on Etsy.

• Crushing on ecofriendly trends, but a little short on cash? See what you can recycle or reuse to create fun and interesting accessories for your child's room or nursery. You'll be surprised how often something seemingly destined for the trash can - like these old T-shirts - can be used to add color and character to a room.

What are you doing to celebrate the Earth today? Share your comments and ideas below.

Happy Earth Day!

(Photo Courtesy of Trailmix.net.)

Nursing can be a tricky business at the best of times, let alone the middle of the night. That's why it's a good idea to keep everything you need to nurse your little one close at hand. Trust me - a 3am feeding is no time to discover you're out of clean burp cloths or short on nursing pads.

Do your future sleep-deprived self a favor, and plan on factoring a nursing station into your nursery design and keeping it well stocked. It's a simple, sanity-saving move that will help you keep your nursery organized and tidy and will likely lead to a much better bonding experience for the two of you - whatever the time.

Not sure what a nursing station entails? You can read more about how to create a nursing station on the nurseries and kids' rooms page.

For more tips on creating beautiful and well-functioning nurseries, check out this helpful list of Nursery Dos and Don'ts.