Do you find yourself recounting the things you did today that were "good" so you know you're a worthwhile person before you can fully relax? A personal post from Chicagoland Doulas owner Anne Iverson.
Doula Tips - Nursery Decorating and Organization
Confession: we looooove getting to see how Chicagoland Doula clients decorate their nurseries! They all have such great taste, and it’s wonderful to see the process. This got us thinking - where do you begin with nursery decorating and organization?! On this #MondayCoffeeBreak, we’re sharing a few tips we’ve picked up from our nursery design savvy clients.
Start with the Crib: The crib is the focal point of a nursery, and, in our opinion, the most important piece. Spend a serious amount of time picking out a crib you adore, and then decorate around that.
Doula Picks:
Graco Soleno 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
Fisher-Price Quinn Gray Full Panel Convertible Crib
Get Creative with Organization: Every item should have more than one use! Get a dresser that doubles as a changing table, a crib with drawers, and a shelving the closet.
Doula Picks:
Delta Children 4-Piece Storage Unit
Easy Access: Strategically place shelves and other storage for easy access. Make sure wipes, diapers, creams, and other items needed for changing are right above the changing table. You don’t want to be fumbling around with a naked baby on the table + a poopy diaper in hand.
Angeles Overhead Diaper Storage
New Wave Hanging Diaper Storage
Focus the Big Picture: Baby is not going to be a baby forever! Don’t commit to any seriously infant-centric decorating choices unless you’re willing to re-decorate in a few years. Things like self-stick wall borders and murals are a great investment, as they are easy to remove.
Jungle Adventure Peel & Stick Border
WallPops! My Cherie Tree Super Wall Art KIt
We know it’s hard to sneak in a moment of reading in. Don’t worry - we update our social media and blog regularly so you won’t miss us!
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info@chidoulas.com | 712-540-5917
Chicagoland Doulas - Kid-Friendly Chicago Patios
While it’s not officially outdoor seating season just yet, these unseasonably warm days have Chicagoland Doulas thinking about our favorite Kid-Friendly Chicago Patios. It can be a challenge to get out of the house with an infant or child of any age. That’s no reason to deprive yourself of the magical art of patio hangs! We picked a few of our top kid-friendly Chicago patios, based on space, environment, menu offerings, and correlation to busy streets.
• Gene’s Sausage Shop (4750 N. Lincoln) Although not open until Memorial Day weekend, Gene’s Sausage Shop, located within the friendly confines of Lincoln Square, has a ballin’ rooftop patio. It’s spacious, which means lots of room for strollers and outings with the whole family. The lush greenery and bright flowers are sure to brighten any day, perhaps even a teething baby or rambunctious toddler?
• Northside Bar and Grill (1635 N. Damen) This spot was in Wicker Park before it was cool – it’s been around for over a decade! Although the patio area can get a bit cramped on busy weekends, it’s tucked away from busy Damen Avenue and there’s a ton of kid-friendly food on the menu. Also, if you’re craving the outdoors while it’s still chilly, the patio enclosed in cooler months, with heat lamps and fireplaces to keep warm!
• Parson’s Chicken and Fish (2952 West Armitage) This enormous Logan Square outdoor space is extremely family-friendly – good for adults, kids, and adults who act like kids. There’s a ping pong table, so it’s the perfect opportunity to mold your little one into the next world champ.
• Southport Grocery and Café (3552 N Southport) This Lakeview artisan grocer and cafe is the perfect place to open your child’s food horizons. They put a unique twist on breakfast favorites, like pancakes, French toast, and oatmeal. Although the patio area is in direct correlation to Southport Avenue, it’s enclosed extremely well and offers enough space in-between tables for storage or quick exits!
• Bang Bang Pie Shop (2051 N. California) This patio is epic. Located in a lot next to the shop, closed off by a tall wooden fence and door, this is just like eating a meal in your backyard. Lots of brightly colored wood furniture, with au natural grass and dirt beneath your feet. Lots of space, sunshine, and pie for the whole family!
Reading this while the babe naps? We update our blog & social media on the regular, so you’ll never miss us.
Instagram:@chicagolanddoulas| Facebook:Chicagoland Doulas| Pinterest:ChiDoulas
info@chidoulas.com |712-540-5917
