The ZoyaB Blog

The Lovely Bassinet - A Safe Alternative

For the first 3 month of your baby's life having a bassinet will save you a lot of sleepless nights. I remember, when my daughter was born and she was a big baby 8lb 11oz, I placed her in the crib and she looked so tiny - I new it right there, I needed a bassinet!!! Having several alternatives to put your baby to sleep in at home or while you travel is a convenience many parents truly appreciate. Bassinets can be a wonderful combination of style and function.        

As you make your decision on which bassinet style you'll choose - perhaps the frilly and lacey one for your little girl or the ornate and regal one for your little boy, always keep in mind that the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) recommends you follow these safety standards.

• Look for one with a sturdy bottom and a wide, stable base.

• Follow the manufacturer's guidelines on the appropriate weight and size of babies who can safely use the bassinet or cradle.

• Mattresses and padding should fit snugly and be firm and smooth. Never use pillows.

• Decorative bows and ribbons should be outside of the basket.

• Infants should always sleep in a crib which meets current Federal and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards and has received certification from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA).

As I look around my showroom at the lovely bassinets all decked out, each with their own personality, I can recall many happy, expectant parents choosing the one that gives them joy and completes their space. I am also reminded that with education and instruction where safety is concerned, parents can have the peace of mind knowing that they are prepared and are doing the best for their infant.

Is Your Drop-Side Crib Safe?

If you own a crib or are in the market for one, chances are you've heard about the recall on drop-side cribs. To alleviate some of the confusion, the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) reassures the public regarding the safety of properly used drop-side cribs.

• When using a drop-side crib check to make sure the drop side or any other parts are not missing or damaged and that they operate properly.

• Be sure that hardware is installed properly

• When assembling and disassembling drop-side cribs always confirm that the crib is reassembled following the manufacturer's instructions. Instructions are attached to all cribs when sold; if they are missing, contact the manufacturer for a replacement copy.

• As long as your crib was properly assembled, fully functional and not subject to recall, drop-side cribs can be safely used.

For further information on crib safety guidelines please visit my blog on Crib Safety.

If you are concerned that a crib you own or are in the market for has been recalled, please check the Consumer Product Safety Commission site for a complete list.

Totally Glamorous Celine Crib Bedding

Last week I wrote about the Celine Crib and feel I am doing it an injustice if I don't write about the matching Celine Crib Bedding. These sumptuous linens of ivory and butter cream turn this already gorgeous crib into a glamorous haven for your little one. No parent can resist crib bedding that beckons even the tiniest of sleepers. The Celine Crib Bedding delivers!

The colors of the Celine Crib Bedding are soothing and understated and will match many nursery designs from simple elegance to totally glammed out...everyone loves that!

The signature bows crafted of Dupioni Silk are eye-catching and are a prominent feature on all the pillows, the bumper pads and even the duvet cover. The matching toy bag is beautiful and functional. It is recommended that parents remove all toys, pillows, blankets, etc. from the crib prior to putting baby to sleep and at around 9 months, please remember to remove the bumper pad each night as babies could use this as a step. How easy it is to toss everything in the toy bag keeping your nursery free of strewn crib accessories. Form and function!

 

The crib skirt is 22 inches tall when the crib is at its highest mattress level (when your baby is a newborn). When you lower the crib to the 2nd level (when your baby is around 3-4 months or holding his head up),  the crib skirt will start to pool on the floor creating a chic and luxurious look. By 6 months (or when your baby is sitting up) the mattress should be at the 3rd level and the crib skirt will puddle on the floor creating a look that always reminds me of old Hollywood glamour. Yet, the fresh and contemporary style fits easily into today's modern tastes. With the delicate, matching Dupioni Silk trim on the bottom, it is simply stunning!

The fitted sheets are made from Swiss Cotton Batiste and are machine washable. The accessories with the bows of Dupioni Silk must be organic dry cleaned. As always, my products are made in America. Remember to follow all crib rules for a safe sleeping environment for your baby. The timing on when to lower your crib is very individual as each infant reaches milestones at different ages. Refer to my blog on Crib Safety.

As you consider the bedding for your nursery, take an extra moment to appreciate the Celine Crib Bedding..it may just beckon you, too!

Crib Safety - Rules To Follow For A Safe Night's Sleep

I'm frequently asked questions regarding the safety of children's furniture.

Many questions are about crib safety and choosing a safe crib. I've compiled a list of safety essentials based on guidance from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA.org) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC.gov).

• Make certain that your crib is JPMA certified to ensure all safety standards were met when it was manufactured. Please check JPMA for a list of certified products.

• Whether you have a new or used crib, parents should not use any crib with missing, broken or loose parts. Make sure to tighten hardware from time to time to keep the crib sturdy.

• Make sure the crib slats are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart (about the width of a soda can). This will prevent the baby's head from fitting through the slats. Also be certain that there are no loose or missing slats.

• Do not try to repair any side of the crib without manufacturers approved hardware. Putting a broken side of a crib up against the wall does not solve the problem and can often make it worse. Infants can strangle when their head and neck become entrapped in gaps created by missing, loose or broken hardware or broken slats.

• Check all sides and corners of the crib to assure proper assembly with no openings to entrap a child.

• Avoid older cribs with headboard and footboard designs that may allow an infant's head to become caught in the openings between the corner post and the top rail. These openings may lead to strangulation.

• Check the corner posts of the crib. Corner posts should not extend more than 1/16th of an inch above the top of the end panels (unless they're over 16 inches high, such as for a canopy).

• Place a baby on her back in a crib with a firm, tight fitting mattress.

• A crib mattress should fit snugly with no more than two fingers width (1 inch) between the edge of the mattress and the crib side.

• Never place infants to sleep on pillows, sofa cushions, adult beds, waterbeds, beanbags or any other surface not specifically designed for infant sleep.

• Never place the crib near windows, draperies, blinds or wall mounted decorative accessories with long cords.

• Make sure crib sheets fit snugly on a crib mattress and overlap the mattress so that they cannot become dislodged by pulling on the corner of the sheet. Never use an adult sheet on a crib mattress; it can come loose and present an entanglement hazard to young children.

• Remove any pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, pillow-like bumper pads or pillow-like stuffed toys from baby cribs when your baby is sleeping. Consider using a sleeper instead of a blanket.

• Always check for properly mounted crib gyms and mobiles. Be sure to remove them when baby begins to push up on hands and knees. Strings or cords should never dangle into the crib.

The JPMA reminds parents and care givers that when you assemble a crib to the manufacturer's instructions and use it properly, a crib provides the safest sleeping environment for baby.

For mesh-sided cribs and playpens, look for:

• Mesh less than 1/4 inch in size, smaller than the tiny buttons on a baby's clothing.

• Mesh with no tears, holes or loose threads that could entangle a baby.

• Mesh securely attached to the top rail and floor plate.

• Top rail cover with no tears or holes.

• If staples are used, make certain they are not missing, loose or exposed.

If I haven't addressed your concerns, please let me know and I'll be more than happy to post the information.

If you are concerned that a crib you own or are in the market for has been recalled, please check the Consumer Product Safety Commission site for a complete list.

The Very Versatile Celine Crib

I love versatility - especially when it comes to decorating. It's all about changing, adapting and  having fun!

As this is Bograd Kids' Product of the Week, I would like to tell you why the Celine Crib is the best and most versatile crib. It all comes down to customizing. Customizing a crib? I say, yes!

 

I'll start with the legs. This crib has two styles: the Turned leg and the Gabrielle leg (the Gabrielle leg is on the Tiffany Crib.) Most people prefer the Turned leg for a boy and the Gabrielle leg for a girl.

But, it doesn't stop there. The headboard and footboard can be purchased with either caning or an upholstered panel (as shown in the Tiffany Crib). Caning adds a subtle elegance. The rich detail work grabs your eye as you appreciate the design. The upholstered panels create a beautiful finished look for your nursery. You can customize the upholstery to match any fabric in your nursery or you can have it match the bedding.

The Celine Crib's cream and gold accents are luxurious and will appeal to your high end tastes while the price will appeal to your sensible budget.

 

The Celine Crib is constructed of alder wood with handmade finishes and offers 2 heights for the guardrail. No holes will be visible when changing the rails from the lower position to the high. How posh!

Made in America, the Celine Crib, and all our cribs, meet all the requirements of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Decorating a nursery is such a joyful time. As you take care and choose the perfect items to create your perfect look, remember...have fun!

Staten Island Advance - "Help kids clean up their act"

On January 28, 2010, Staten Island Advance published an article "Help kids clean up their act" by Andrea Boyarsky. This is a great topic that many parents have to battle with, when it comes to their children. I know it from my own experience and from numerous conversations and anecdotes I have shared with other parents. Below is an excerpt from the article…

At Bograd Kids in Manhattan, owner Zoya Bograd’s furnishings line is anything but boring. The designer offers storage solutions built into furniture, making it easier for kids and parents to stay organized. Even in her baby line, select armoires and changing tables feature cubbies and multiple drawers for storage that doesn’t require extra space. 

Ms. Bograd’s line includes decorative nightstands that can be used to store school supplies, toys, jewelry or other pieces that should be kept out of sight. Her large, three-drawer nightstand comes with an optional hutch that can be used to house books or collectibles. 

“A hutch is great for organization, especially in New York City apartments where you don’t have enough room,” the designer observed.   

BUY A DESK

She suggests introducing a child to his or her first desk around the age of five or six. Bograd Kids’ desks can be outfitted with hutches for extra storage space and some include memo boards and file cabinets. 

The Bograd line also includes bookcases, toy chests, vanities, media storage pieces and dressers in a variety of designs to meet a range of tastes and interests. 

Ms. Bograd, who has a 15-year-old daughter, believes the best things for parents to do if they want their children to be organized is to be organized themselves. 

“Children definitely look at us and try to do what we do,” she said. “Teach by example, that’s my best advice.” 

…to read the whole article go to www.silive.com/homegarden/interiordesign

1st Photo Courtesy of Bograd Kids

A classic toy chest like this one from Bograd Kids is a practical storage solution that helps teach children the value of putting prized possessions away for safe-keeping and the rewards of an uncluttered room; 

2nd Photo Courtesy of Bograd Kids

Catherine's Room, designed by Zoya Bograd for the Saddle River Showhouse, featured Bograd's Catherine's Princess Desk and hutch for additional storage.

Antique Crib or New Crib? - A Safe Crib is the Answer!

Many parents dream of the day they can put their new baby to sleep in the crib that they, or even their parents, slept in as an infant. There is no doubt that these antique cribs have their charm and beauty but they also may pose many hidden dangers to your infant. Read carefully the recommendations from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and take heed – this is very important!

Before you put your baby to sleep in a used crib, check to be sure

it's safe. If it is not safe, don’t use it, destroy it. It could save your baby’s life!

 

 Rules for a safe crib are:

 

• That is has a firm, tight-fitting mattress.

• It does not have any loose, missing, or broken hardware or slats.

• The slats are no more than 2 3/8" between them (about the width of a soda can).

• It does not have corner posts over 1/16” high.

• It does not have cutout designs in the headboard or footboard.

 

If you are concerned that a crib you own or are in the market for has been recalled, please check the Consumer Product Safety Commission site for a complete list. http://www.cpsc.gov/cribs.html

2009 Holiday House - Clara's Room - Mother Ginger

One of my favorite characters from Tchaikovsky's  "Nutcracker" ballet is Mother Ginger...imagine my excitement, when I was able to acquire the original costume design painting by Jose Varona from the estate of famed soprano Beverly Sills. 

  
  

 

Antique Venetian Glass - Introduction

Our adventure started about 7 years ago, when my daughter and I, were visiting Venezia, Italy and decided to learn more about Venetian Glass. Not the kind you will find all over Venice, not the typical touristy type. We wanted to learn about the old traditions, techniques, etc... Our first stop was Murano Glass Museum on the Murano island, Venice. Then, we visited, for what it seems like the only 2 galleries in Venice, Antichita Cesana and Galleria Rossella Junck, who specialize in antique venetian glass, especially period from 1865 - 1920. Below are references and exerbs from the books we have found. Enjoy our ever growing and changing collection...to be continued...

2009 Holiday House - Clara's Room - Gustavian Child's Table and Chairs set

“At the stroke of midnight Clara wakes up to a frightening scene. The house, the tree and the toys seem to be getting larger. Is she shrinking?” – Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Ballet, part 2.

In that spirit, we already experienced the 11 foot Christmas tree, the Swedish “Mora” clock, that just ringed midnight. Now, at the center of the room is Gustavian reproduction 3 part child’s play table, surrounded by Rosa and Greta Chairs. It has been Swedish holiday tradition to use runners for the table…but wait…are the runners too long for the table or did the table shrank? 

  
 What do you think? ...to be continued...

2009 Holiday House - Clara's Room - "Mora Clock"

Opposite the Christmas Tree is a beautiful antique hourglass Swedish Clock, known as the "Mora Clock", came from near the town of Mora, in central Sweden in the Province of Dalarna around 1750.

As agriculture and mining failed in the mid 1700s, the local farmers turned to clock making to make ends meet with families specializing in making or painting different parts of the clock, the movement or the face and incorporating them into other furniture including cabinets and even beds.

 

At the height of production, more than 90 families were engaged in this trade of hand painted case clocks. Some of these skilled people's names were edged into history; Traditionally known as the first clockmaker in the district of Mora, and one of the most famous makers was Anders Andersson, who built clocks in the late 1700s and known by his initials on the clockfaces as ' A A S Mora'. Krång Anders Andersson of Östnor lived between 1727-1799.

About 1000 Grandfather/Grandmother/Scandinavian Mora Clocks were built each year for 80 years - this craft flourished and the best of the best were sold to the very wealthy. Though many were created, unfortunately almost none of this original Swedish folkart is here today. Most have been repainted by less qualified artists since the original "milk paint" has faded.

To be continued…

2009 Holiday House - Clara's Room - Christmas Tree

It was a fabulous opening night at the Holiday House 2009. Emily and Leonard Blavatnik’s spectacular mansion at 2 East 63^rd street was decorated with 18 table settings, each dedicated to celebrating life’s special occasions. As you enter my room on the second floor, an eleven foot majestic Christmas tree made of unique Needlepoint Art and wrapped in pink ribbon with a big bow on top, emerging on your left representing the tree in Nutcracker, when it grew, taking us into the world of magic.

 

Now if anybody wanted to try this idea at home, you can use photographs, your kids drawings, etc... Once, my daughter and I were away from family during the holiday season, and there wasn't much for us to use, since we were in the hotel room. I took plain paper and cutout snowflakes out of it, then, we made a similar tree out of snowflakes, and applied it to the window. We gathered all our gifts around it. It was very festive. I know, I will always remember it, I hope, she will too.

To be continued...

Second Annual Holiday House

HOLIDAY HOUSE 2009

TO BENEFIT THE GREATER NEW YORK CITY AFFILIATE OF 

SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE

Breast cancer survivors and advocates have banded together to create the Second Annual Holiday House, a Designer Tabletop Show to benefit The Greater New York City Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. Holiday House 2009, located in a magnificent limestone mansion on 63rd Street in Manhattan, features tabletop designs and settings, celebrating holidays and other festive occasions, by 21 noted New York-area interior designers.

 Event Website

Newport Cottages responds to CPSC largest drop-side cribs recall in US history.

Dear Customers,

 

As many of you know the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall of more than 2.1 million Stork Craft drop-side cribs. This being announced as the largest recall in US history has caused some concerns about the safety of our cribs. We have received numerous calls from both retailers and consumers and we have assured everyone that all Newport Cottages’ crib are safe to use. The CPSC visited our facility, tested our cribs and all of them met or exceeded their standards. In addition to this, we also had an independent laboratory conduct strength testing, check for paint toxins, etc.  Although this recall is for Stork Craft Inc., which manufactures lower end cribs overseas, the CPSC is considering changing the mandatory crib standards for drop-sides in 2010.

 

Newport Cottages switched to duel fixed gates back in August of this year due to growing concerns about drop gates. If you have a drop gate model, we recommend that you regularly check your crib and tighten any loose parts that may result from the moving gate. 

 

Again we emphasize that we have never had a recall however we wanted to address any safety concerns in regards to our cribs. 

2009 Holiday House - Clara's Room

There is an excitement in the air – Holiday Season in New York…

This year, we’re asked to participate in Holiday House. 21 noted New York-area interior designers will feature tabletop designs and settings celebrating holidays and other festive occasions, such as New Year, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Ground Hog’s Day, Child’s Birthday Party, Christmas and Summer Solstice. This very special event will benefit The Greater New York City Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. 2009 Holiday House is located in a magnificent limestone mansion at 2 East 63rd Street, between Fifth and Madison Avenues.

Event Date: December 2-6, 2009

The event’s participating designers include: Harry Daniell, Jamie Drake, Diane Durocher, Irwin Feld, Jennifer Garrigues, Ted Galperin, Harry Heissmann Interiors, Benjamin Huntington, Jolie Korek, Abby Modell of LLe-Dom Glassworks, Shari Markbreiter, Barbara Ostrom Associates, Charles Pavarini III, Sandy Rosenthal, Don Schermerhorn, Gail Sitomer, John Stedila, Bonnie Steves, SY Interior Designs, Timothy & Associates, Bunny Williams, David Zisa for Greenbaum Interiors, ZoyaB for Bograd Kids.

When my daughter was little, she loved themed birthday party. Every December, since she was 5 years old, I found myself together with so many New Yorker’s taking their little girls to see Balanchine’s Nutcracker ballet at Lincoln Center, it has become a tradition in our family and we still enjoy it.

So my character for this event will be a little girl named Clara and the theme for her Birthday Tea Party is “Nutcracker”.

…to be continued

Crib Safety News from Newport Cottages.

More and more manufacturers are changing their Crib Gates to the fixed position.  Below is an excerpt from a Newport Cottages email we just recieved:

"Effective August 1^st, all cribs ordered will come equipped with fixed gates.  

We know that consumers have become concerned over safety issues with adjustable gates, and that the CPSC may be requiring manufacturers to eliminate adjustable gates altogether.  It is important to point out that Newport Cottages has never had an issue with its gates, and many of you had some very nice things to say in regards to our gate mechanism.  Our decision is a proactive measure that will not only satisfy the new proposed regulation, but will also simplify the assembly of the crib.  We also want our consumers to know that nursery safety is one of our highest priorities.

Dual Position Fixed Gates.

We are aware of the concerns parents will have when it comes to fixed gates, and after reading your responses, you helped us come up with a great solution.  The fixed gates will have 2 different levels at which they can be set at.  Both gates can be set at either the lower position (same height as our adjustable gate in the current lowered position, 36” from floor), or at the upper position (same height as our adjustable gate in the current raised position, 42” from floor).  It will look very similar to our current fixed gate with the 2 bolts.  There will be no visible holes and changing the gates from one level to another should be fairly simple.

Three Level Mattress Height.

We will continue to use the same mattress spring with the 3 different height settings."

I, personally am greatfull to all our vendors to stay on top and ahead of all regulations.

Thank you all.

2009 Kips Bay Decorators Show House – Dorothy’s Room “Book vs. Movie”

During 2009 Kips Bay Decorators Show House, I had a lot of discussions with “Wizard of OZ” lovers about the differences and similarities of the movie vs. the book. One of my favorite stories in the book was the story of “The Golden Cap” told to Dorothy by the King of the Winged Monkeys. 

L. Frank Baum, “The Wizard of OZ”, Chapter 14, The Winged Monkeys, page 165 and I quote:”…There lived here then, away at the North, a beautiful princess, who was also a powerful sorceress. All her magic was used to help the people, and she was never known to hurt anyone who was good. Her name was Gayelette, and she lived in a handsome palace built from great blocks of ruby. Everyone loved her, but her greatest sorrow was that she could find no one to love in return, since all the men were much too stupid and ugly to mate with one so beautiful and wise. At last, however, she found a boy who was handsome and manly and wise beyond his years. Gayelette made up her mind that when he grew to be a man she would make him her husband, so she took him to her ruby palace and used all her magic powers to make him as strong and good and lovely as any woman could wish. When he grew to manhood, Quelala, as he was called, was said to be the best and wisest man in all the land, while his manly beauty was so great that Gayelette loved him dearly, and hastened to make everything ready for the wedding.

My grandfather was at that time the King of the Winged Monkeys which lived in the forest near Gayelette’s palace, and the old fellow loved a joke better than a good dinner. One day, just before the wedding, my grandfather was flying out with his band when he saw Quelala walking beside the river. He was dressed in a rich costume of pink silk and purple velvet, and my grandfather thought he would see what he could do. At his word the band flew down and seized Quelala, carried him in their arms until they were over the middle of the river, and then dropped him into the water.

Swim out, my fine fellow, cried my grandfather, and see if the water has spotted your clothes. Quelala was much too wise not to swim, and he was not in the least spoiled by all his good fortune. He laughed, when he came to the top of the water, and swam in to shore. But when Gayelette came running out to him she found his silks and velvet all ruined by the river.

The princess was very angry, and she knew, of course, who did it. She had all the Winged Monkeys brought before her, and she said at first that their wings should be tied and they should be treated as they had treated Quelala, and dropped in the river. But my grandfather pleated hard, for he knew the Monkeys would drown in the river with their wings tied, and Quelala said a kind word for them also; so that Gayelette finally spared them, on condition that the Winged Monkeys should ever after do three times the bidding of the owner of the Golden Cap. This Cap had been made for a wedding present to Quelala, and it is said to have cost the princess half her kingdom. Of course my grandfather and all the other Monkeys at once agreed to the condition, and that is how it happens that we are three times the slaves of the owner of the Golden Cap, whomsoever he may be…”

So, there it is...a story, that was written over 100 years ago…feels contemporary for 2009, but would not be appropriate for 1939? What do you think?