All new parents have received the warning -- when baby comes, your whole life changes. We know this is the truth to a certain extent, but one thing that doesn't change is that life stays busy and we remain on-the-go. For the busiest days and your most fun adventures, Ergo is ready to help you tote your babe from place to place in the most practical, convenient and comfortable way possible. The new travel collection from Ergobaby is a necessity for every busy mom and dad, and there are just way too many features on each one to keep us from loving it!

Ergobaby Carrier

The sleek and modern design of the Ergo carrier makes it easy to transition from daytime errands to a special evening dinner. Its neutral colors and canvas construction make it both durable and stylish, and the interior is constructed from soft, 100% organic poplin to keep your babe  oh-so cozy no matter where the day takes the two of you. 

How does it work?

Maybe you've seen local Interior Designer Becca Gaines posting over at Bella Vita...or maybe this is your first introduction. Either way you will love her unique style and amazing tips that you can implement at home.

Since designing a nursery is such a huge part of your pregnancy, we asked Becca to give us her favorite design tips to help you through the process. We won't stall any longer-- here she is with her top tips!

Becca Gaines' Top Nursery Tips

I'm so excited to be posting at Itty Bitty Bella- I love designing nursery's! There are so many options and really, who doesn't love a baby?! For obvious reasons, the nursery I designed for my daughter (who will be 2 years old this summer!) is my favorite. Between her nursery and those I've done for friends and clients I've learned a lot. Lucky for you, I managed to squeeze it all into 7 helpful tips. Here they are!

1. Get Started

I feel like there are three basic necessities to any nursery, so this is usually where I start when designing one:  the crib, the "changing table", and the rocking chair.  Then, I fill in with fun accents including a mobile, lighting, and art.

When I found out I was pregnant with a little girl, I knew I wanted her room to be girly, whimsical, and a little spunky.  I had had my eye on sweet iron crib, that reminded me of my childhood daybed.  I know a lot of moms prefer cribs that convert into toddler beds, but my favorite styles are simply just cribs. 

2. Changing Tables

I really prefer to use a dresser in place of the traditional changing table.  Dressers are larger, with drawer storage, and they will still look great after your baby is potty trained!  Little ones will grow out of their crib, and the rocking chair may get moved out to make room for more toys, but a dresser is one piece that can be purchased to last through childhood.

Dresser- Before

Dresser- During

We were definitely on a budget while designing our Jovie's nursery, and I wanted to splurge on the crib and rocker...  That meant there weren't a lot of funds left for the dresser.  We searched high and low - Craigslist and garage sales! - for a beautiful old (and of course, well made!) dresser.  We actually found one for $75 with aged brass hardware and dovetail drawer joints.  Then, I convinced my sweet husband to paint it, but not with just any paint...  It had to be hard and shiny, like a candy coating.  He cleaned, sanded, prepped, primed, and painted the cabinet with an oil-based industrial pipe paint from Porter Paints.  This proved to be quite a task in the rainy month of April, but I know Jovie will cherish this piece and all of the love he put into it, just like I do.

3. The Rocker

When it comes to nursery rockers, my first pick is usually a slipcovered swivel glider.  I know the word "slipcover" can be scary, but when a slipcovered piece is made well, it's hard to tell it isn't upholstered.  Slipcovers can be removed and cleaned when spit-up, spills, dirt, juice, and other unmentionable messes occur.  So convenient!

I chose a fabric for Jovie's swivel glider that coordinated with our living room.  Like I said, we were on a budget, and I wanted the chair to be ready to work in any other room of our home.

Itty Bitty Bella has a great resource for both slipcovered and upholstered rockers. The best part is you can keep it easy and choose from the hundreds of fabric samples on hand, or you can bring in your own fabric and have it  made to fit the chair.

4. The Bedding

There are two companies at the top of my list for nursery bedding, and actually both can be purchased at Itty Bitty Bella.  Bella Notte and Pom Pom at Home have luxurious machine washable fabrics.

For Jovie's room, I wanted something clean and feminine.  I chose white Pom Pom at Home bedding with a few of their grey accents (throw pillow, duvet, and curtains).  Her bedding style is very simple, but the hand and drape of the white Belgian linen adds rich softness and character to her room.

5. Personal Touches

When it comes to art, I love to include paintings in a baby's room.  Jovie has a pair of bird paintings by my friend Briana, that she loves to study and talk about every morning.  There are also twelve patchwork birds framed in a shadow box above her changing table.  These were made by my sweet sister and two dear friends as decorations at our baby shower.  Baby's first outfit, mom or dad's own rattle, or Christening gowns are just a few more sentimental items that could be framed as art in a nursery.  

6. Eye Candy

Jovie's Mobile

Baby Ainsley's Mobile

The crowning piece over a little one's crib should truly be a piece of art.  My husband and I went to New York City on a "babymoon" when we were 13 weeks pregnant.  We ran across Jovie's mobile at a small boutique in Soho.  There is no better way to say this - I was obsessed.  Shortly after we returned home, Itty Bitty Bella held it's grand opening, where I was surprised and absolutely ecstatic to run into an entire collection of these amazing mobiles, right here in Collierville!

7. Storage

My last nursery design secret... As an interior designer, I need both creative freedom and extreme organization.  I wouldn't survive parenthood without the 3Sprouts toy bins from Itty Bitty Bella!  They're cute, fun, and safe for Jovie to play around.

Ahh, the joys of a new fall season. The cozy scents and delicious treats that it brings, and the sweet time spent with friends and family that it promotes. As the air begins to hold a chill and you spend time entertaining for football, holidays and other special occasions, it's important to have a few festive recipes in your arsenal. Lucky for you, we've compiled a few of our favorite creative takes on traditional fall flavors!

Our Favorite Fall Treats

 1. Sugar and spice and everything nice - From sweet treats to savory snacks, you'll find great ideas for keeping your kids and house guests fed all season long. Traditional recipes such as rice krispie treats, pudding and trail mix get creative autumn updates!

2.  Delicious dessert- Candy apples are a staple during the fall season, but aren't always the most nutritious option. You'll love this updated, crockpot version of the traditional dessert, and feel better about eating it and serving it to the family, too.

3. Not your average acorn - Acorns are everywhere in the autumn season, so why not bring them to your dinner table, too? With a few simple steps, you'll be on your way to a fabulously festive treat for all of your fall festivities. 

4. Pumpkin at its finest - Forget the pumpkin pie, we've found a new twist on the yummy, go-to dessert. One bite of these melt in your mouth truffles and you'll instantly escape to an autumn oasis. 

We hope you'll savor every moment of the new fall season. We sure will!

-The Girls at Itty Bitty Bella

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