NettoCollection Blog

D'Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths

One of the nicest things we can do for ourselves as we get older is to come across something you knew well as a child and feel the rush of familiarity as you look at it again after many years. You know, the feeling you get from smelling Play-Doh, but with your eyes.

And Next to the Bed Was...

If there is another book I loved more than Ingri and Edgar Parin D'Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths when I was a kid, I would be hard-pressed to tell you what it was. Having lived in its pages from the second until about the fifth grade, I didn't really see it again until a chance encounter with a worn copy in a guest room of my friend Emily's house in Maryland, 20 years and 1,000 other well-loved books later.

Indian Cradle Baskets

Before Baby Bjorn, there were cradle baskets.

The California Indians, the Pomo and the Western Mono peoples, historically have carried their babies and children on hand-woven cradle baskets. These amazing child carriers were the precursors of the modern day baby carriers. Precious Cargo: California Indian Cradle Baskets and Childbirth Traditions is an exhibit at the California Indian Museum and Cultural Center that is running through Spring 2008. It explores the use of the cradle baskets both historically and contemporarily among the California Indians and their beliefs and practices pertaining to childbirth and child-rearing. Among the many objects on exhibit are rare photographs and cradle baskets woven by contemporary California Indians. If you are not able to make it to the west coast you can also purchase the book that includes all the amazing rich photographs.

By Nancy

The Wonderful Wobble Wedge

Once I was at a restaurant with a wobbly table.  As I folded napkins at ground level a waiter stepped up and pulled a little plastic wedge out of his apron pocket.  In a matter of seconds the table was perfectly level- without the under-the-table paper product carnage. 

What was this fantastic invention?  A Wobble Wedge.  I bought a 16-pack the next day, and it didn’t last long because I found so many uses for them.  Since then I’ve been working my way through the 75-wedge jar.

Wobble Wedges are especially useful when placing furniture in your home.  Since few floors in the world are truly level, a wedge will even things out and often bring your misaligned cabinet doors and drawers into alignment.  Here’s a trick we use at NettoCollection: if the doors on a Case Group changer are not in line when closed, gently lift the changer from a rear leg. Have a friend watch the doors as you lift.  If lifting at the right rear leg of the changer evens out the doors, place a Wobble Wedge under that leg (repeat on left if necessary).  Insert the wedge enough to set the correct height for door alignment.  If you need more, double up two wedges.  Now the doors should be even, and open and close without rubbing.

With your furniture at home in perfect order you can carry a wedge into the outside world- to fix those wobbly restaurant tables like a magician.  Presto.

By Alex
Images courtesy of Wobble Wedge

The Timeless Charm of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

With talents like Ronald Dahl and Ian Fleming contributing to this magical Hollywood classic, it's no wonder it still resonates with adults and kids.

Cribs to California

This week NettoCollection participated in the K.I.D.S. San Diego Fire Relief effort, with a donation of cribs for immediate shipment to the San Diego area. Here’s is the JPMA’s call for support:

“Kids In Distressed Situations, Inc. (K.I.D.S.), a longstanding partner of JPMA, is already hard at work to make this incredibly difficult time easier for the families and children.  K.I.D.S. is soliciting product to aid the victims, and juvenile products are in high demand.  Everything from clothes to cribs, pacifiers, bottles, bibs, blankets and more are being collected.  With the help of global charity World Vision, K.I.D.S. will distribute the product to families in need, particularly in San Diego.  JPMA is asking you to consider donating to the relief efforts through K.I.D.S.  Although it is too early to know the full extent of the damage, the impact of the wildfires will be felt for many years.  During this traumatic time, JPMA is hoping members will provide products to families and children who so desperately need it.”

For more information on California fire relief efforts, visit the K.I.D.S. website. 

By Alex

Show Us Your Nursery

We’ve seen some great Netto nurseries over the years- and we’d love to see yours.  If you’re not a professional photographer that’s just fine- we prefer snapshots taken with your Canon Elph, iPhone, or the old-school Polaroid. The pictures we receive will be added our office cork board right alongside David’s latest design inspirations.

To share your nursery with us, send snapshots by email with your name, telephone number, and location.  Occasionally we’ll feature Netto nursery pictures on this website but we’ll call to ask permission first. 

So here’s your chance to produce a Netto nursery photo shoot: location, talent, props, styling, hair, makeup, wardrobe, catering… Have fun!

By Alex

Photo of Fred Astaire in Funny Face courtesy of Paramount Pictures

Foldschool

We happen to be partial to Rufus, our own Polar Bear Rocker.  But here is a cool alternative.  Much gratitude to our friend at If the Birds Knew for this spot.

By Claude