My tip of the week: Chalkboard paint = a fresh start

Do you want to give your child's bedroom a bit of a makeover without spending $$$? Try chalkboard paint! Paint a door, a wall or just a board and not only give their space a new modern look but also a way to express themselves. It makes a great outlet when the kids start getting cabin fever during these cold winter months.  Take a look at these spaces for inspiration:

via Lalalovely

via Lalalovely

via The boo and the boy

via National Post

via Design Sponge

via Design for MiniKind!

You can purchase chalkboard paint at most home hardware stores. Benjamin Moore has chalkboard paints and a full how to use chalkboard paint article right here. Also, if you're interested they have a list of creative ideas for chalkboard paint uses here.

If you prefer not to commit to painting a wall or door check out Yolanda's post a while ago on chalkboard wall decals or you can always purchase kid size furniture with chalkboard surfaces:

Table with chalkboard surface via The Modern Shop

P'Kolino table with storage chalkboard lid and matching benches via Style Kid

P'Kolino toy box with chalkboard lid via Style Kid

Or just an actual chalkboard:

Freestanding chalkboard via Restoration Hardware

P'Kolino double sided chalkboard & white erase board easel via Style Kid

I have the P'Kolino products mentioned above (table, toy box & easel) and we use them all! All the chalkboard surfaces give each product dual if not triple purposes.  The extra storage in the table is a real plus and the easel being made specifically at a height for little ones make these all great finds. I recommend them all!

Hello Monday! Children's Easel on the go

This weekend my son (who is not even a year old!) had two birthday parties, both for a two year old.  Both kids have big families so I knew they would receive a ton of gifts.  For that reason I found it challenging trying to find a great and unique gift, especially because I was very last minute in my search (ooops!).  So I asked a few friends of mine to send me a list of gifts they love for their own kids, and one of my friends said she loves the Portable easel set at DesSerres.

Via DeSerres

She said she leaves the set in her car sometimes, this way her girls always have an activity wherever they go.  Because the set comes in a suitcase, it is easy to lug around and easy to store in a car.  So I made my way to  DeSerres and made the purchase.   It was my first time in the store and on their website, and I fell in love!  I am sure I will be writing more about how great this store is for arts and crafts for all ages.

The gift was a hit!  Both mother's said the kids had nothing like it and both mother's were happy that the easel can be used also with the kids' older siblings. Success!