I asked Christy Eriksen, owner of Sunwoo Starfish, to tell me more about the term "Upcycling," which she uses to describe her process of creating baby clothing. She explained that, "Upcycling isn't unique to me, it's something that's catching on with crafters everywhere.  Basic idea is that you don't want to waste stuff. Recycling would be like to use it again.  Upcycling would be to re-use it, but make it better. So I use used clothes, especially blank boring things, and add my designs to it as a way to give new life to otherwise so-so clothes."  ~ Parents: What do you "Upcycle?" ~

I asked my friend Mindy Turk, owner of Beadazzled by Mindy, what kinds of accessories make the best gifts for little flower girls. She made necklaces for my four two-year-old flower girls so she should know!  She said that bracelets, necklaces and hair accessories make great flower girl gifts.  Hers can be made to match the dresses exactly, and are reasonably priced and heirloom quality.  She feels that even the youngest of girls are deserving of Swarovski crystals, freshwater pearls, sterling silver and 14k gold!  She loves to see photos of the flower girls to custom make something exactly right for each child.
~ Parents: What gifts did you give the young members of your bridal party? ~

I last wore Converse in college, blue ones. In high school I had green ones that I drew all over, and in junior high I got a beige high-top pair from Sears. They were so cool.  I never thought I'd be wearing them as a mom, but here they are again, in so many styles, colors and patterns that we never could have imagined, even in the eighties.  I have the brown laceless version which I tried to find for Tiny too. I settled on the grey velcro for her since I have been warned by a friend that toddlers and laces do not mix!  The red and pink plaid ones are so cute too, and she'll be growing out of the grey pair soon enough. ~ Parents: Have you ever bought matching shoes or clothing for you and your little one? ~