29th Mommy Mondays - Guest Post

Still looking for some sponsors and guest bloggers for my Baby Shower Event in March. Click on the button above for more info. Grab a button to spread the word. I've edited it now to be 150px - sorry it was so large for those who've already grabbed it!

I'm excited to have a guest blogger here today. Check out this great article she wrote!

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Baby Rooms on a Budget: 6 Affordable Accents for Your Nursery
Wendy Lau is a New York City-based mother, guest blogger for My Dog Ate My Blog, and a writer on accredited online colleges for the Guide to Online Schools.

Have a baby on the way? This is an exciting time, but it can also be a stressful period knowing there will be a lot more expenses. Your wallet will be empty a lot quicker with more items to add to the shopping list, including diapers, baby wipes, formula and, of course, toys. And then there's also the nursery room where you'll need a crib, mattress, changing table, dresser and more. While certain items are essential, the nursery room is actually an area where you can find a variety of accents that are decorative and affordable to creating a warm and welcoming environment for your newborn.

Here are six affordable, must-have accents for the nursery that is sure to make a charming nursery without emptying your savings account entirely. Many of these accents can also be used or last through your baby's entire childhood years.

1. Jungle Animal Bookends - $34.95
Before you know it, you will have a collection of books to read to your baby. These beautiful bookends will make good use of holding them all in order while adding color and fun to the nursery. Also, as your child grows and learns to read on her own, these bookends will continue to help keep her reading collection organized. The bookends are hand-painted with non-toxic, durable paints.

2. Celestial Full Moon Draw Knob - $14
Minor accents added here and there can make a great difference in creating a welcoming environment for your newborn. These hand-painted knobs offer original design and can be part of your child's room as she grows. The knobs are 2 inches wide and are made of wood, sealed with a non-toxic varnish. Each knob also comes with a 1-1/4 inch screw. Each knob is also dated and signed by the artist. To further personalize the knob, you may choose to add your child's name or add a message to the knob at no additional charge.

3. Growing Like a Weed Growth Chart - $17.95
It's amazing how quickly babies grow. A nursery room may feel incomplete without a growth chart to follow your baby's development. This growth chart is laminated and includes stickers to help mark special occasions and developments. The chart is 36 inches long by 10 inches wide and measures up to 5 feet.

4. Ladybug Automatic LED Nightlight - $14.98
A darkened room may help baby sleep better, but at some point your baby may develop a fear of darkness, and that's where a cute nightlight comes in handy. It's also a great help for the many nights you may be running into your baby's nursery room to check in on her while she's sleeping. This featured product serves as a portable nightlight and flashlight. Once recharged the LED flashlight may last up to 4 hours. The night light also features an automatic on/off photo sensor.

5. Mama & baby napping wooden sign - $9.50
Whether you hang it on the door or on the wall this wooden sign offers a nice touch and message to set the mood of the nursery. The sign is hand-crafted and -painted. The sign measures 6 inches.

6. Framed letter - $28
Decorate the nursery with a framed letter complete with a cute and simplistic design. Choose the first letter of your baby's name and soon enough she'll learn how to spell her name. Each frame measures 5 inches wide and long.

Having a baby can be expensive, but with a little creativity you can find unique and affordable products to make a charming environment and experience for baby. And the days of joy and happiness you have with your baby are priceless.

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What fabulous ideas! I really like the book ends. What a great way to spice up a nursery. Also I like the napping sign - I could use one of those even when the baby is older! Leave a comment with what you think is a must have and affordable items for a nursery.