Happy Holidays...Merry Christmas...Happy New Year

To you and yours from your friends at Modern Living.  We thank you for your loyalty over the past year and look forward to bringing you even more unique, modern and fun furniture, toys, clothes and gear in 2011!

Black Friday and Cyber Monday Specials Start Wednesday!

We are pumped to announce that we are offering a great deal to our Followers and Fans to kick off the holiday season!   Starting next Wednesday, 11/24 and going through Monday, 11/29 we are offering a discount AND and free shipping on ALL orders.  It's a great opportunity to get those toys for under the tree - check out Plan Toys or Melissa & Doug for an awesome selection.  Planning for baby?  Stock the nursery in style and get the gear you'll need at a discount - cribs, bassinets, strollers, changing tables, diaper bags - we have everything to get your started and keep you (and baby) stylish!  Did you know wallstickershop.com is carrying Fathead stickers now?  If you've got a sports-crazed guy or girl in your family, they'll be screaming for joy Christmas morning when they unwrap a Tom Brady or Eli Manning (other teams available for Giants/Patriots opposers!).

A special code will be issued on Wednesday to be used at checkout to activate the DISCOUNT and FREE SHIPPING. All you need to do is hop over to any of our sites - pokkadots.com; modernnursery.com; wallstickershop.com & sign up for our newsletter or follow any of the sites on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter - @modernnursery, @pokkadotsonline, @wallstickershop.  The code will be released on Wednesday to our followers so signing up gets it in your hands first! 

Happy shopping and, as always, if we can help in anyway please give us a call or hit the Live Chat button on any of the websites to speak with our super knowledgeable customer service representatives!

You Got To Coordinate! Baby Planet and Timi & Leslie Stroller/Diaper Bag Combo

With the amount of time you'll spend with a diaper bag in tow and a stroller for the little one, wouldn't it be nice if they matched?  Who says the essentials should only be functional?  Take a look at the awesome pairing brought to you by Baby Planet, makers of strollers to improve the environment of your child and the planet, and Timi & Leslie, designers of gorgeous convertible and canvas bags. They teamed up to coordinate the gear and the resulting products are fantastic.  We've added them to pokkadots.com, just click on any of the canvas bags and you will see the coordinating stroller listed as a related product after the description. 

Not only are these products stylish but they are conscientious, too.  Baby Planet is doing good things for the environment and those in need by way of a stroller recycle program.  Here are some details about their work:

We at Baby Planet are very concerned with the current state of the environment and the continued overcrowding of landfills by discarded consumer products.  In an effort to reverse this negative trend we would like to help you recycle your Baby Planet product.  Additionally, we would also like to do our part to help families in need by helping you to donate your usable products.
If you feel there is still life left in your stroller, please click the donate button and we'll help you get it to a family in need.
In fact, we'll be happy to accept any brand of stroller and may also have use for other children's products.

So if you are gearing up for baby, stop by pokkadots.com and check out this beautiful combination - you'll be happy you did!  And check back in a few months, the designers are working up some new patterns that are sure to impress and help you style up baby.

Extra! Extra! Skip Hop Hug & Hide Activity Owl Recognized!

Skip Hop consistently provides adorable baby toys that are kid-tested and parent approved.  This year, the Skip Hop Hug & Hide Activity Owl has been recognized as one of Parent's Magazine's Top Toys in the 'baby' category which is a great honor!  We are happy to spread the word and let you know we've made them available on both modernnursery.com and pokkadots.com.  The Skip Hop Hug & Hide Activity Owl makes a great Christmas gift for the little one in your life! 

Skip Hop Hug & Hide Activity Owl

Please join us in congratulating Skip Hop on another job well done!

ModernNursery + Nurseryworks = Suite Deal!

Modern style isn't meant for adults alone...bring baby into your modern world with a stylish nursery from Nurseryworks.  While supplies last, combine any Nurseryworks crib plus any Nurseryworks changing table plus any Nurseryworks rocker or glider and you are in for a sweet deal - $200 off your purchase! Checkout is easy, just use the code 'SUITELIFESHP' and see the dollars go down.  And, as always, if you have any questions about the products click on the live chat at the top of the page or give us a ring (877.663.2224), we are here to help!

Bags, Bags and More Bags! Designer Bags for Everyone!

Admit it.  Somewhere in the back of your mind, you have a Christmas list already laid out.  A little dolly for Madison...a toy race car for Jack...sweaters for everyone!  Well, we may not be able to help you with the sweater part, but we have some fantastic bags that you need to look through.  We've added over 300 new diaper bags to Pokkadots.com- some traditional, some convertible bags that women can use well beyond the diaper days and some super hip and functional messenger bags that Dad can use for his laptop after the baby's into grown-up gear!  One of the exciting new lines we have up is Pishposh Mommy Bags.  These bags allow Moms to gather up all of their baby changing accessories, store them in this convenient and stylish bag and drop the entire bag into their own tote or purse.  The best news is that the bags lift up and out of one bag and into the next, no need to reorganize a new purse when you simply want to change your look for the day! Check out the video below for more info:



We've also introduced our first ever Collegiate line from DadGear.  That's an easy get for the man in your life devoted to his school for all eternity!  The bags are fully functional and come with a lot of great features to help Dad stay organized and ready to keep baby happy and dry. 


Still looking for more?  We've got Skip Hop bags, Dwell Studio bags, JP Lizzy bags, Diaper Dude bags, Fleurville, Reese Li, JJ Cole, and many, many more!  Not to mention we'll be adding some super new lines over the next few weeks.  Check back often under the 'New Arrivals' tab on the homepage!

Grasshopper Pre-School Prep Kits

We picked up some great new products at this year's show and one of them is the Grasshopper Pre-School Prep Kit. (3 to choose from)!

Grasshopper Preschool Prep Kit

The Grasshopper Preschool Prep Following Directions & ABCs and Simple Shapes Kits are packed together in the exclusive GRASSHOPPER® No-Spill Carrying Case. The plastic case is filled with games to help improve focus, turn-taking, letter recognition, and early writing skills. Children can play with letter gel tracing, magnetic fishing, success crayons, bumpy coloring and more! The Grasshopper guide book gives parents the tools they need to give kids a head start. Purchase the remaining 2 kits and store all 4 kits together in the Grasshopper Carrying Case!

As seen in Parents Magazine, Disney Family Fun Magazine, and Working Mother Magazine!

GRASSHOPPER® Kits are the perfect tool for parents and educators to get children
ready for school. They improve focus and build confidence as children play.

Be sure to check them out on our sister site, pokkadots.com, where little people are made happy!

Halloween Sale ends 10/20 Costumes are Spooktacular!

Don't miss our Halloween Costume Sale, save 20% now through 10/20.  There is still time to make you little one cute as can be for trick or treat! Click the link below for more details...

http://bit.ly/a0uAhS

Strollerthon Success!

We've returned from the Strollerthon in Cary, N.C. and first off, a big thanks to Bumbleride!  The Bumbleride Indie raffle brought in quite a bit of money for PES and the winner, Fadra N., was thrilled.  Compliments were abound and everyone was hoping to win the fabulous stroller but in the end, there could be only one!  We have a pretty good feeling that we are going to get a few visits to the site today to check out all the Bumbleride products! 

Bumbleride Indie Raffle

 And because a picture is worth a thousand words, we'll let these do the talking.  Thanks again to all those who supported the 1st Annual Strollerthon to benefit PES, it was a successful event and one we look forward to participating in again.  For more information on Postpartum Education and Support, please click here - let the giving continue!

Registration Line

Winner of the "Largest Team" Award - Stroller Strides

One of the many fun events

Warming up before the start

Let's stroll!

Look at all of the supporters!

What a beautiful venue!

Anne Wimer, Director of PES, & the Winners of the 'Best Decorated Stoller' Award

Anne Wimer, Director of PES and Emcee, Frances Scott of ABC11 Eyewitness News 

 

Modernnursery.com Table

Gift Registry for the new Bundle of Joy

If you guys haven't been over to the new pokkadots.com, you have to take a look! The new site offers an awesome gift registry that is perfect for special occasions. Before your little bundle of joy arrives, let friends and family help you stock the nursery by registering for your favorite nursery furniture, clothes, toys, bags and accessories for baby.  After setting up your account, you can add as many items to your list as you would like. We also give you the ability to comment on individual items and rank them in order of  'nice', 'like' or 'love'!  Once you've shopped until your little heart's content, click on the share button and email it to all of your friends and family to view.  Or simply tell them you are registered and they can search by your name.  Done & done!  It's nice to get presents that you've picked out, helps to make 'bringing home baby' time a little less hectic.  Now go and shop!

Wallstickers for all Seasons and Holidays!

Jack O Lanterns Wall Stickers from Wallies

We can't believe that ghosts, ghouls and gobblins are right around the corner.  Looking for quick and easy ways to make the house festive this year?  Let us help you decorate the easy way...with wall stickers!  Many will adhere directly to walls, glass, wood and more and what's even better is they peel right off when you are ready for a change of holiday!  Check out the great selection at our sister site, wallstickershop.com and tell us how you'll be decorating this year for a chance to win a special holiday treat!

Christmas Tree Quote Giant Wall Decal from RoomMates

PES Interview on ABC11 - Join us in supporting this organization!

Take a minute to watch the interview posted below, conducted by ABC11 Eyewitness News in North Carolina and given by Dr. David Miller and Anne Wimer, Executive Director of PES.  In addition to being the umbrella organization over the Moms Supporting Moms support group, Postpartum Education & Support does a phenomenal job of getting the word out to the public about postpartum mood disorders and helping to remove the stigma associated with them.  Please join us at this year's Strollerthon to help raise money for PES and awareness of postpartum mood disorders.  Click here for more information on how you can help.

Football Fanatics & Decor Divas!

FatHead Jr. Walter Payton Wall Sticker

Our sister site has recently added some really great products that reach more than just the beautiful babies and parents of the world.  Wallstickershop.com has a great selection of stickers and decals that work in your home, your office, on windows, walls and more!  Got a Football fan in your house?  Check out our new NFL category with wall stickers from Fathead and RoomMates. From individual player stickers to team spirit stickers, these are perfect for the Man Room, dorm room or your own little football star's room. 

And for the rest of us that are a little more into decorating the room than talking interceptions and first downs, check out a new fav on the site - BUTCH & harold.  These great frame stickers were recently featured on the Today Show, Donny Deutsch: The Big Idea and Everyday with Rachael Ray.  They are moving fast!  These beautiful frame stickers are an instant dress up to any blank wall crying out for your pics and a pop of color.  No nails, no holes in walls, just your pretty faced framed beautifully!

BUTCH & harold frame stickers

Welcome New Partner Little Nest & Updates from Boon, Urban Smalls & Oeuf

Have you been over to ModernNursery.com lately?  We are pleased to welcome a new partner, Little Nest! These kid products are chic, cute, fun and design-tastic!  The kids will love the pint sized pieces and you'll love the way they look in your home. Check them out and be sure to let us know what you think. 

We also are showcasing new products from Urban Smalls, Oeuf and Boon, some of our favorite partners in the baby product world. Our email subscribers saw this yesterday and now we want to share it with you.  Click here to view some of the new haps in our corner and click through to view more on the site.  As always, let us know how we can help!

The Strollerthon Giveaway - Bumbleride Indie Review!

PES has announced that they will be raffling off the Bumbleride Indie Stroller that was graciously donated by Bumbleride to help raise money at the October Strollerthon for this important group's work.  So, we thought it would be nice for you to hear from an actual Mom and Indie owner regarding her thoughts on being a Bumbleride family.  And don't forget to get involved with the October 2nd Strollerthon in support of Postpartum Education and Support.  You can join us for the walk, sponsor a walker or simply donate to the cause.  See the ad on the right of the page and click through for additional information, we thank you for your support!

Bumbleride Indie Review by Austin H. of Florida:

Loving my Bumbleride!

Preparing to be a new parent is overwhelming and choosing the right stroller to carry your precious cargo only adds to the madness!  The choices were overwhelming, from style to color; with this accessory or that.  After a lot of time and research, we decided on the Bumbleride Indie and we couldn’t be happier.  Having recently traveled to Australia, I loved the idea of a pram but also wanted car seat compatibility and a stroller that would grow with our son.  The Indie has it all!  Using the car seat with the stroller couldn’t be easier and takes only seconds.  Without the car seat, the newborn headrest kept my son comfortable and safe when he was younger and the seat reclines easily and quickly for naps or times when they want to sit up and see!
With the carrycot, we were able to go on long walks or outings without his naptime being interrupted and he remained comfy and cozy.  We also found that we used the carrycot for naps when we were away from home, a perfect little place for him to sleep at friends’ houses!

Naptime with the Uncles!

Naptime anywhere!

Incredibly designed, the Indie has great underneath storage space, perfect for any size diaper bag and more!  It folds up with ease, locks into place and weighs less than many of the other travel systems and strollers out there.  I am able to put it in the car with one hand, which, with a newborn and all their stuff, is very helpful!
Last, but certainly not least, it is a stylish stroller that comes in great color combinations and offers fun and practical accessories like the carrycot, car seat cover and snack pack.  Rarely did a day go by where I did not receive compliments on and questions about the stroller.

Beach, Bumbleride and Baby with Mom

Afforable, adaptable, stylish and safe, we are, and will always be, a loyal Bumbleride family!

Bumbleride on the town with Grandpa!

Super Cool Costumes are Here!

 

September is here - time for back to school, apple picking, boots, light jackets and most of all...gearing up for Halloween!  The Modern Nursery sister site, pokkadots.com, is ready to tackle all of your Halloween needs with our 'Super Cool Costumes' category.  From Fire Fighters to Ninjas, Garden Fairies to Cheerleaders; we've got you covered for baby, toddler and child!  Check out the newest additions to our fall line-up by clicking the link below. Looking for a matching costume for Dad?  Give us a call, we can help you out!

Pokkadots.com - Super Cool Costumes

Congratulations to Nicole S., Winner of the ModernBabyDigs Giveaway! Here's the next one!

Pup and Stroller not included ;)

Nicole, thanks for being a follower and a Fan!  You've won our first ever giveaway, a fantastic Skip Hop Duo Bag, which we know you will enjoy.  Wear it proudly!

For all of you other fans & followers out there, thanks for following and don't worry - you are still in on the fun, we have lots more good times, giveaways and goodies in our near future!  Spread the word, have your friends comment on this post when they become a follower and tell us that you referred them and you will be entered into our next giveaway!  What will it be?  Come back real soon and you will find out!

Big News in the Modern Living World!

Pokkadots.com, sister site to Modernnursery.com, experienced a little- ok BIG - makeover and the results were released today!  Here's a snippet from the press release:

Rebuilt virtually from the ground up, Pokkadots.com continues to sell cool and hip products for kids, but its redesigned website brings new and improved attributes that make it one of the most customer-friendly Internet retailers around. 

This website is so much more than new, brighter colors and rearranged logos.  Pokkadots.com gives its customers wonderful flexibility in how they shop.  Parents and parents-to-be will love the new gift registry and wish list features.  Customers add their favorite eco-friendly toys, designer stroller or organic baby clothing to their list, and grandparents, aunts and everyone else need only visit the list at Pokkadots.com for perfect gift suggestions.

Improving the shopping experience for its customers was the primary motivation in rebuilding this already successful site.  "We know that our customers love our products," said Carissa Kennedy, Pokkadots' Director of Customer Service. "We just wanted to improve their shopping experience." 

Won't you stop by and go for a stroll today in our newly release online storefront?  Give it a whirl and let us know what you think! And for all you moms-to-be out there be sure to check out the great new registry and wish list features...friends and family, give 'em what they want!

Richmond Times-Dispatch Showcases Modern Living

In the Biz Buzz section of today's Richmond Times-Dispatch, you'll find a great article showcasing Modern Living and all that we do in our new office behind the Baseball Diamond. We are proud to be featured and excited to share the news on what's to come with the websites and how the business is growing.  Please take a minute to read through the article (click on the link below) and let us know what you think!

Biz Buzz: Modern Living grows under new owners

New (Physical) Digs for the Modern Nursery Team

We've just moved over to a new office space so we can spread our proverbial wings! The space is fantastic and in a convenient location near other locally-owned, community based businesses. A little of the Richmond old with exposed brick and a whole lot of the Richmond new, completely renovated & with all the fixings. We are thrilled to have individual offices, an expansive warehouse and a real deal lobby - perfect for hosting visitors, taking a break, maybe even a little product preview party one day!  It was up to Shannon and me to make this space livable, functional, modern and reflective of our company's vision.  Personally, I think we nailed it! Take a look at the 'before and afters' and be sure to check out the links below to the products you see featured in the showroom.  A special thanks to Oilo for letting us display their gorgeous 'Wheels' Crib Bedding Set you see below...it really pulled the room together and is a great representation of the quality partners we enjoy working with daily.

The office during move-in month

Main wall area to showcase Modern Nursery wares

Cutest Oilo Wheels Motif Crib Set and Wallies Play Alphabet Wall Stickers

Modern, Fun and Comfy

It's not complete until there's an Uglydoll in the picture!

Main Wall Area Products (top to bottom, left to right):
Avalisa Pattern 65 Modern Wall Art
Plan Toys Twisted Tossing Game
Edward the Bear
blik Mario Brothers Wall stickers
Treasure Chest Pets Monkey
Plan Toys Activity Clock
Melissa & Doug Mighty Builders Jet Plane
Boon Baby Food Dispensing Spoon
Rubber Duckies
KLT Works Ollie the Dotted Owl
Around the World 63 Piece Puzzle
Beaba Multiportion Food Storage Container
Great Category of Books for Kids, Moms & Dads
Diaper Dude Skull & Crossbones Messenger Bag
Dante Beatrix Little Kids Penguin Backpack
Fleurville Silver/Cocoa Stripe Lunch Pak
Sozo Sweet Pea Bunting & Cap Set
Sozo Top Banana Bunting & Cap Set
Plan Toys Push Along Duck
Plan Toys Big Drum Musical Toy
notNeutral Tetra 2 Dresser 

Crib:
Nurseryworks Aerial Crib Dark Pine Ends
Oilo Studio Wheels Motif Crib Set in Cobalt
Wallies Play Alphabet Wall Stickers
Little Uglyworm Uglydoll
IceBat Uglydoll

Couch:
Oilo Wheels Motif Throw Pillow in Cobalt
avalisa Polar Bear Modern Wall Art

Blog Bites - The People Have Spoken!

Don't you love getting a recommendation?  It's like someone doing the work for you and you skipping right to the enjoyment!  Here's a quick way to do just that...check out our new 'Blog Bites' section (you can find it by clicking on the 'Blog Bites' tab located next to the 'Home' tab right under our banner), it is a running list of our blogger friends that have something to say about modernnursery.com, pokkadots.com or wallstickershop.com.  Who knows, you might just find a new favorite read in the process.

Modern Nursery & Bumbleride Sponsorship of Postpartum Education & Support Strollerthon!

Modernnursery.com is thrilled to announce our dual sponsorship, along with Bumbleride, of the first annual Strollerthon to benefit Postpartum Education & Support.  The event is scheduled for October 2nd and will take place in Cary, NC.  This morning of family fun will feature a three-mile walkathon for teams and individuals, entertainment and activities for children, Tot Trot races specifically for kids, and fun for the entire family.  Prizes awarded to individuals and teams. 

Postpartum Education and Support (PES) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the emotional wellness of mothers. We offer support for mothers and their families; provide resources for health care providers; and heighten public awareness of perinatal mood disorders. This good work was started eleven years ago by a mother who experienced postpartum depression and anxiety herself and didn’t want other women to suffer in silence. Every woman experiencing a postpartum mood disorder deserves quick and appropriate treatment. All money raised will help provide necessary services for mothers and their families.

In addition to our sponsorship, we will be forming the ModernNursery.com & Bumbleride Team.  If you can't make it to the actual event, please consider making a pledge, of any amount, to help support this terrific organization that has helped so many women and their families.  You can also support PES by shopping on modernnursery.com, pokkadots.com or wallstickershop.com. Simply enter the code PES10shp at checkout between now and the end of October and you will receive FREE shipping (for orders of $50 or more) and PES will receive a donation of 10% of the value of your order . For more details and information on the event or other ways to help, please visit the event site by clicking here or feel free to leave a comment here and we will email you back.  

In addition, be sure to check out the other great sponsors for this event - CarolinaParent.com, StrollerStrides & Bounce-U of Apex.  

 

10% Off - Hip Back To School Backpacks!

Say it ain't so!  Back-to-school time is here and to ease the end of Summer blues, modernnursery.com is having a sale on hip school backpacks now through August 18th.  Click on the image above to view the Modern Nursery Fan Email and get details on the sale! 


And don't forget to sign up as a 'follower' to the blog to be eligible for our Skip Hop Duo Diaper Bag giveaway!