Honest To Nod

HAPPY PI DAY 2013!

Hello, it’s me again.  Yes, that person who works at The Land of Nod that is completely obsessed with Pi.  I can’t really top last year’s essay on my love of Pi (look in the archives, it’s worth it), I’m just going to share a few thoughts on Pi.

Have you checked out The Land of Nod website lately?  After my constant begging and pleading, Pi has finally arrived.  It is on our Show Your Work Bedding – which I love for many reasons other than just Pi:

So I’ll admit that I’m not the most up to date on all of the technology of today, but I do occasionally get on Facebook.  What did I find?  Yes, there is a Facebook Pi Event page.  And I was, get ready for it, the 14^th person to say I would attend the event.  Now, with a community of millions of people, you would think more than 14 would attend a Pi Day event, right?

I’m very excited to be spending Pi Day itself with our Naperville Outlet team this year.  Not only will I be wearing my Pi Day T Shirt and my Pi Day “πrate” temporary tattoo, but our Outlet Manager Lauren will be making Pi shaped cookies!  Yes, she is almost as fanatical as I am about math, and she has π shaped cookie cutters!  And she’s an excellent baker, so I’m pretty excited on multiple levels.

My final thought on this Pi Day comes to Hollywood.  What do Sandra Bullock and Alfred Hitchcock have in common?  While you ponder that, I bet you thought that I would say something about Star Wars or Star Trek since I’m a Pi fan?  True, Spock did save the world by challenging an evil computer to compute to the last digit of Pi.  But anyway, Pi is the secret code in 2 movies – Alfred Hitchcock’s Torn Curtain and Sandra Bullock’s hidden gem The Net.

Now, how many of you remember the secret code to get Word to print π?

By Mike Janecek

In addition to being our Director of Stores, Mike Janecek is a collector of mid-century modern furniture, which he sells at various antique shops throughout Chicago. He also has an extensive collection of vintage paint-by-numbers. And, impressively, challenged himself to wear fun patterned socks for 365 days in 2011, a feat which he very stylishly accomplished!

4 Ways to Chambray

Chambray is a fashion staple these days; you can pair it with just about anything. Taking a cue from this fashion trend, I thought I would try to style our chambray sheets in 4 different ways. Naturally a more masculine fabric, it seemed more challenging to try it for girl’s rooms.

Crisp & Clean

I love the elegance and simplicity of this outfit with the pop of yellow and hints of white and gold.

Inspiration, Sheets, Storage Bin, Bed, Lamp

Soft & Dreamy

These neutral colors mix well with voluminous and feminine pieces, for an ethereal and magical feel.

Inspiration, Sheets, Pillow, Duvet, Poster

Graphic Floral

For a little more pow, these graphic patterns have a slightly bohemian quality.

Inspiration, Sheets, Pendant, Pillow, Zebra

Casual Luxe

Laid back with a modern edge, these pieces contrast between soft and hard.

Inspiration, Sheets, Blanket, Lamp, Pillow

Which is your favorite look?

By Anna Passadori

Anna develops and designs exclusive product for The Land of Nod. She hails from the west coast and has traveled the world to source product. She loves anything Marc Jacobs, Sofia Coppola or stripes! (So, if anyone can get a photo of Sofia Coppola wearing a striped outfit by Marc Jacobs, please send it along.

Kira in The Land of Nod Catalog

Do you remember last July when Nola's name appeared on a banner in The Land of Nod catalog? We all rallied together to ask The Land of Nod to include Kira's name, and one of my very best friends even wrote a poem. Well, the January catalog is out and my sweet Kira was dancing for joy and singing a "I love Land of Nod" song when she saw her name in the catalog.

Kira says she wants the catalog page framed and hanging on her wall!

Just in case your kiddos want their name on a banner or in pretty letters for their room, The Land of Nod has a lovely selection of banners and letters that you can buy.

Post by Helen Bird : www.curlybirds.typepad.com

Unconventional and Uncanny Plush Assortment

After I got married, my husband revealed a very big secret.  It wasn't until a few weeks after our wedding that he introduced me to Blackie, a small stuffed dog that he received as a baby gift, and kept throughout his life.  Blackie, at one time, must have been a beautiful Scottie, but when I met him 30 years later, he was tattered.  His eyes had been replaced with buttons, his poor tail had been sewn and re-sewn, his fur was pilled and ragged, but he was still a big part of my husband's life; a connection to his childhood.  Although I was a bit jealous, I had to ask myself; what is it about a stuffed animal that makes it worth keeping around forever?

It's the emotional connection you feel instantly when you first set eyes on these creatures. Our plush collection does just that.  It is unconventional, unexpected, and uncanny.

Mr. and Mrs. Fox, Bunny, Kitty.  Brilliant creation of Mimi Kirchner.  These critters are 100% wool felt and each come wearing their own outfits.  Their expressions (or lack of expression) are priceless. I recently visited the factory where these creatures are made with love and attention to detail.  Every critter is hand embroidered, hand stuffed, and hand sewn.  Every eye is placed perfectly with needle and thread (by an actual person). The amount of work that goes into these toys is incredible, and it is apparent.

Oliver the Elephant-- dreamed up by Hillary Lang, this fuzzy elephant has a personality all his own.  His creativity is apparent, as he wears his beret, off to the side, of course.  (He must be French). His giant ears are lined with a whimsical cotton pattern- he is a keeper.

Cotton Monster Hedgehog and Raccoon Mom, Dad and Youngins—who knew you could love such creatures?  Jennifer Strunge invented these crazy, whacky, lovable fleece animals.  They are soft and silly, and you will not find them anywhere but at The Land of Nod.

What do Simon the Whale, Mushroom Buddies, Tina the Bunny, Rainbow Happy Tree, Johan the Raccoon and Hug the Panda all have in common?  They are the genius of Michelle Romo.  They are mixed materials of corduroy, wool felt and cotton.  They are made by hand, and made to be handled. 

Stupid Sock Creatures are brilliant!  They were dreamed up by artist John Murphy.  He is passionate about his socks, and found some crazy uses for them.  Fabulous colors, extraordinary expressions, bizarre and awkward—I no longer look at my sock drawer the same way.  These socks have lips!

30 years from now, maybe you will reveal your best kept secret to a loved one, and you will fondly remember the first time you hugged, tugged and loved favorite creature.

Post by Nancy Harris, Accessories Buyer @ Nod

In 1999, I was sitting at my desk as a buyer for a gift company, and my boss brought over a Land of Nod catalog and said, "This is what I want us to be.” I immediately knew two things:  1. We could never be like them, no one could. 2-I had to be a part of The Land of Nod. The nostalgic assortment, whimsical presentation, and clever copy were positively inspired. I spent lots of time dreaming about The Land of Nod. Four years later, I was hired as the toy buyer, a dreamy job—a dreamy atmosphere, a dream come true.

Font Love: Bergamot Ornaments

One of my new favorite ding fonts is Bergamot Ornaments. (It’s free here!) But, every time I use it I get all angsty because I have to guess/remember how to get each symbol – plus I’m always wondering if I’m missing something awesome.

SO. I made a pretty and handy little key for myself. And I love to share. So, please enjoy!

By Raechel Myers at Finding My Feet

Raechel is just a mama, trying to raise her children to love the Lord and take their dishes to the sink. She loves sewing, fun design projects, finding killer deals at garage sales, and drinking peppermint mochas all year long! You can also find her at SheReadsTruth.com. 

 

What a Doll

When I was a child, I had no shortage of dolls--Barbie, Ken, Skipper, Chatty Cathy, Chrissy, Betsy Wetsy, Raggedy Ann, you name it, I had it.  Then I grew up, got married, had a daughter, and bought her dolls---Cabbage Patch, Bratz, American Girl, the list goes on and on.  When my daughter was born, I bought her a Cabbage Patch Doll named Julie.  This doll has been sitting on her bed for 18 years—she cannot part with it.  So if I learned two things, they are a big girl can never have too many shoes, and a little kid can never have too many dolls. 

Last year, we were trying to figure out what we were missing from our assortment, and it hit me-- we don't have any dolls.  How could that be? We sell toys, but no dolls? We immediately got to work, and came up with what I think is the most beautiful assortment of dolls anywhere. Here are some of my favorites.

Jess Brown dolls are exquisite.  They are all handmade by Jess herself.  We carry them in a very limited way because they are so special.  In the spring and the fall we only carry 50 small dolls and 20 large dolls. And although they are expensive, they sell out almost immediately. Each one is handcrafted- no two are exactly alike, they are made with the finest natural materials--cotton, cashmere, lambs wool, angora, and they are hand sewn and dressed in magnificent outfits.  There are girls and boys in this assortment.   Each is a wonderful keepsake to be passed down from generation to generation.  And, each one is named by our Managing Director, and I personally gift wrap ( yes--I gift wrap them) each and every one with tender loving care.  We take great pride in these dolls. They are truly stunning.

Wee Wonderfuls are exactly what the name implies.  These handmade dolls were created by artist Hillary Lang.  She crafts dolls in her studio right in our backyard, and came up with 5 designs that we created for this holiday season. We will welcome 3 girls and 2 boys to our happy doll family.  They are named by Hillary herself-- Fern, Winx, Bertie, Charlie and Skip.  We produced these wonderful dolls, which are made of cotton and natural fibers.  They are soft, and will appeal to kids of all ages.

Hello Doll. Suzy Ultman's genius was the inspiration for these soft printed dolls.  There are 7 in all-- Fia, Honey, Kiki, Jojo, Mary T., Suzy Q, and Stella. Suzy created these dolls based on people who have had a powerful impact on her life.  And one of them is Suzy! The front of the doll has a personality specific to that doll, and the back is printed with a whimsical pattern.

Embroidered dolls-- created by Sarajo Freiden.  These dolls are based on drawings by the talented artist.  Hungarian folk art was the inspiration. Sarajo had Hungarian neighbors that gave her dolls impeccably dressed in handmade Hungarian folk outfits they made themselves. Plus Sarajo's grandparents ran an embroidery shop that made costume and clothing for Hollywood designers. Each of the 4 dolls stands alone-- the images do not do them justice.  They are hand sewn and embroidered-- their skirts all have very intricate patterns, and if you turn them around, they are each holding a surprise.

Little Nod Dolls, created by our in-house designer, are the perfect little nostalgic doll.  The 5 dolls each come in jammie's and matching cap, with just a hint of hair peeking out from their caps.  They are simple and sweet, and are the perfect first dolls. They are soft and cuddly-- I love them.

Bundle babies--is it a doll, or is it a stuffed toy?  The answer is yes.  100% wool and intricately embroidered, these babies are perfect.  On one side, they are awake and ready to be played with, but turn them over, and they are asleep.  These were created by artist Mimi Kirchner.  A keepsake for sure!

I really believe this collection of custom and exclusive dolls will evoke a connection with children, just as my daughter has connected with Julie.  There is truly something for everyone.  I know which one speaks to me.  Can you find yours?

Post by Nancy Harris, Accessories Buyer @ Nod

In 1999, I was sitting at my desk as a buyer for a gift company, and my boss brought over a Land of Nod catalog and said "this is what I want us to be.” I immediately knew two things:  1. We could never be like them, no one could. 2-I had to be a part of The Land of Nod. The nostalgic assortment, whimsical presentation, and clever copy were positively inspired. I spent lots of time dreaming about The Land of Nod. Four years later, I was hired as the toy buyer, a dreamy job--a dreamy atmosphere, a dream come true.

Black Thumb Friendly Houseplants

I do not come from a family of gardeners, but I always had dreams of a tangled English garden gracing my front stoop or perhaps a collection of intricately manicured bonsai trees in my living room window (this may or may not have been inspired by Mr. Miyagi from Karate Kid). While my horticultural talents are still quite modest, I have discovered how to grow houseplants with some measure of success….and now I LOVE growing houseplants in my home! For me, houseplants inspire creativity, provide beautiful, natural decor and are a sight for sore eyes in the middle of a gray, slushy January afternoon. They also provide health benefits by absorbing formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds that compromise the indoor air quality in your home (here’s an interesting article about this topic).

Right now I have ten houseplants in my home that are flourishing, but I admit, more than a few have ended up in the compost pile in the backyard throughout the years. Here are a few tricks I’ve got for growing houseplants:

• Don’t buy a plant if you don’t have the right growing conditions. I killed a large, beautiful pot of English ivy because I didn’t have it in a sunny-enough window. Pay attention to the growing instructions…the first step to growing success!
• Underwatering is better than overwatering. I’m definitely more of a plant-neglector than a plant-micro-manager, but usually that’s good for easy care houseplants…..and make sure the pot has a drainage hole in the bottom so the extra water can drain out!
• Make sure your plants are non-toxic or placed in a safe spot if you have pets or small children. Some plants are downright poisonous, others have toxic qualities if they are ingested….it’s better to be extra careful!
• Start with an easy, impossible-to-kill plant. Once you get used to caring for one easy plant, buy another one, or get something that is more finicky if you want a challenge. All the plants in this post are easy to grow, and all but one are very safe for kids and pets.

I bought my very first plant, a Jade plant, during a paint-supply shopping trip to Lowe’s eight years ago. It was a nostalgic purchase as my grandmother always had a huge Jade plant in her front window….and I also think their succulent leaves are very beautiful. I placed Bob (yes, I named my plant Bob!) on top of our TV armoire and watched him grow from 3 inches to 2 feet tall in height. Jade plants need a lot of sunlight but keep growing even if you don’t water them for weeks….I know this from experience!

If you want an easy impossible-to-kill plant, go buy a Pothos right now! I actually have three Pothos plants (also called Devil’s Ivy); they can grow in almost any condition, including the dark corner in your TV room and can survive on bi/tri-weekly watering. You can grow them up a post like the one pictured or let their fast-growing tendrils trail over a hanging basket or along the top of your kitchen cabinets. Pothos are also on the list of plants that are especially good at cleaning the air. One caveat: The leaves can cause mild illness if ingested so keep them away from little hands and paws.

My African Violet plant is gorgeous and just keeps blooming! African Violets are one of the easiest flowering houseplants to grow if you follow a few simple steps. Most importantly, African Violets grow best if you water them from the bottom up and avoid getting water on the leaves (there are special “African Violet” pots you can get if you want). Here’s a very informative article on how to grow African Violets, but in my experience, they grow well with minimal care.

My husband salvaged this Ponytail Palm from his former office building before they were relocated and it has become a nice addition to my plant collection after a little TLC. Again, this plant requires a bright window but minimal watering. It’s non-toxic so I feel okay about it sitting on the floor vulnerable to curious toddler fingers (and they are curious as you can see in my photo).

My husband salvaged this Ponytail Palm from his former office building before they were relocated and it has become a nice addition to my plant collection after a little TLC. Again, this plant requires a bright window but minimal watering. It’s non-toxic so I feel okay about it sitting on the floor vulnerable to curious toddler fingers (and they are curious as you can see in my photo).

A few other plants I have grown:

• Spider plant – Excellent air-cleaning abilities, non-toxic, indestructible and will eventually reproduce and supply you with little spider plant babies to grow or give away.
• Peace Lily – Requires too much watering for my lifestyle but it has pretty green leaves and white flowers. Not safe for children or pets.
• Snake plant – Another one that will grow with almost NO sunlight or water! Somehow I still managed to kill mine because it was sitting in a rarely used room and I just forgot about it.
• Orchid – I actually have one growing in my bathroom right now but it’s not in bloom so I didn’t include  a photo. A beautiful and surprisingly easy plant to grow! It does need a special orchid potting mix and weekly watering.
• Umbrella tree – I loved this easy care plant but we just couldn’t fit another pot in our car when we moved across the country a few years ago!
• English Ivy – Once I learned how to care for English Ivy it grew beautifully, however, it is not safe for small children so I gave my plant away. It is also an excellent air cleaner.

I promise you can grow beautiful houseplants too, even if you claim to have a “black thumb”!  And, fellow gardeners, what do you grow in your house?  (if you grow bonsai trees please give me your insider information….I think I’m ready to take on Mr. Miyagi).

Post by Renae Wortz : Mom Colored Glasses

Two Years Later: Use pregnancy and motherhood as a reason to bump up your social circle

Just over two years ago, when I was seven months pregnant, and Bump Club and Beyond was only a few months old, I guest blogged for our friends at Graco on the importance of having a supportive network during your pregnancy.  Two years later, I bring this up again as I find it equally as important to carry and expand that network into motherhood.

My feelings from when I wrote this blog two years ago haven’t changed, but like my family, they have grown.  Since becoming pregnant in January 2010, I have immersed myself in the culture of being an expecting mom/new mom/mom to a toddler.  I have seen firsthand how having the support of a community of women in the same life stage is imperative for all of us.

This was the sole reason I started Bump Club Chicago and the motivation for turning it into Bump Club and Beyond after only nine months. Moms and Moms-to-Be in Chicago needed a place where it was easy to connect with one another, learn from one another (and the best experts in town), and grow with one another.  There will always be a fondness in my heart for the 50 or so BCB “regulars” who I shared my pregnancy with, many of who now make up my core group of mom friends. Witnessing these relationships from my perspective, and those from the growing number of moms and moms-to-be who have followed, is something so amazing it’s hard to even describe.

On Friday, I went to the Lincoln Park Zoo for the Mr. Singer concert with Toddler J.  I was almost dumbfounded by  a few things: 1) the number of Bump Club moms that were there 2) the number of Bump Club moms with 2nd time bellies that were there 3) the number of Bump Club moms that were there TOGETHER.

Bump Club has grown significantly since my Graco blog post, but I am proud of the fact that the fundamentals have stayed the same.  When I first wrote this blog two years ago we were hosting 3-4 events per month. Even though we now host over a dozen every month, our moms are coming together, staying together and hanging out more than ever before—both at BCB events, and on their own time.  I exchanged numbers and emails with three moms on Friday, all for different reasons.  I see the women at our events doing this all the time, and it thrills me…but actually seeing them out with one another (outside of BCB events) is beyond rewarding.  I know that giveaways and gift bags are fun, but at the end of the day I can see that these things are the icing on the Bump Club cake.  It’s the friendships and support that are most important and truly matter to so many of you.

I went to a baby naming of a friend a couple weeks ago.  Her entire 15 mom playgroup was there with their babies AND their significant others.  My friend’s family couldn’t believe how many friends this new mom had…and I kept hearing over and over that all of these women connected and re-connected at Bump Club.  They now all have babies under six months old and meet on a regular basis.  Together, they all attended their first BCB New Moms brunch a few weeks ago. To have played a role in this form of “mom match-making” brings a permanent smile to my face.

While I blogged two years ago about the importance of bumping up your social circle as a mom-to-be, I can’t reiterate more how valuable it is to carry this bit of advice into your life as a mom.  I am thrilled that Bump Club is now in Austin, TX, providing the moms and moms-to-be of my favorite southern city the opportunity to connect with one another, BCB, our partners and our programming.

Even if you aren’t in Chicago or Austin to experience Bump Club, there are so many ways to meet other mom friends.  Similar to when you were sporting a belly bump, it is just as easy, if not easier, to talk to another mom at the park, Starbucks, a store, the zoo…really anywhere you go.  Don’t be shy, and don’t hesitate to ask for her email or number.  You’d likely be surprised at how relieved she is that you asked.  And don’t forget, you have something in common that will lend itself to endless conversations about infinite topics:  you’re moms.

Post by: Lindsay Pinchuk, founder of Bump Club and Beyond

Fight Childhood Hunger

Click here to learn how to help The Land of Nod and No Kid Hungry take a bite out of childhood hunger in America.

Every Girl Needs Her Own Set of Tools

Some of my fondest memories as a kid were in my garage with my dad. We built stuff. We painted stuff. We did a lot of messy things, and I loved it. I knew how to use a drill & a paint brush at a very young age. & despite being very into all things girly, I certainly loved my tools and garage time. & I hope my kiddies do too.

Although my first born was a girl, the last thing I wanted was a playroom exploding with pink. Don't get me wrong, we have plenty of babies & strollers, but we've got lots of hammers and cars & dump trucks too. :) I want her to play with it all. & when my son starts playing, I will encourage him to love on babies just as I encourage her to use her screwdriver. As gender roles are defined early, I think it is vital for a little girl to know she can do all the things little boys are supposed to love--and is more than capable of doing them herself.

Which is exactly why we are loving this workbench! It's one of my favorite things from Land of Nod. & my girl is loving it. As you can see! :)

'Cause every girl needs her very own set of tools. Swear. :)

Post by shawna of styleberryBLOG.com

Despite days full of washing diapers & messy fun, Shawna is determined to make mommyhood a stylish adventure. Married to the military & mother to one feisty girl & a snuggly little guy, she is a passionate DIYer & loves sharing how to make the complicated simple. Shawna talks creativity, style, food, decorating, green-chic living & mommyhood at styleberryBLOG, a daily-ish dose of something fab.