If you are attempting to raise a mini-fashionista, while also making sure they get to attend college, then you are in for a treat!  Jana Francis, founder of the Steal Network explained how her sites work to save you money on purchases for your babies, kids and scrapbooking hobby.  "Basically we post a new 'steal' every morning at 9am MST on BabySteals.com, KidSteals.com and ScrapbookSteals.com, 45-80% off retail, until it sells out! We ship all products same-day, and most US customers get their 'steals' within four days.  All of our products are brand names. BabySteals:  Ju-Ju-Be, Petunia Pickle Bottom, BabyLegs, HALO, Dwell Studio. KidSteals: DC Shoes, Etnies, Sprig Toys, Patagonia, Umi Shoes, Crocs. ScrapbookSteals: My Mind's Eye, American Crafts, Fancy Pants Designs." What a deal!  ~ Parents: What online deals have you found? ~

Whether you call them barrettes, hair-slides or hair clips, the most important thing is that they be cute!  There are a lot of hair clips to choose from these days, and at the top of the cute clip spectrum are those by Chic Baby Rose.  Their wool felt clips come in a variety of shapes, from fruits and treats, to days of the week and holiday themes. Kristyn, the creative force behind it all, can give a smiling personality to a carton of milk (goes great with a cookie) and a sunny disposition to a rain cloud.  Tiny loves her pink owl and alligator clips, and I was curious about which ones other kids like. Kristyn said that the the pink owl is indeed one of her most popular right now, along with the other birds. The Hello Kitty clips and personalized name clips are popular right now as well.  Better get to shopping at a rapid clip.  ~ Parents: What accessories are your tots enjoying right now? ~

I was late to get on the "wear your child's name on a charm" bandwagon. I just hadn't found I liked yet, but thanks to a good friend, I was set on that path with a beautiful charm from etsy.  All on my own, I bought an adorable charm from Anne Kiel stamped with "Mon Bebe" for Tiny for last Mother's Day.  I have also been a long time fan of her initial charms which friends and family both young and old can attest to! And it looks like literally defining ourselves by our jewelry is here to stay. So I decided to ask Anne about her new Mother's Endearments and Romance Language lines. I was curious about whether women are buying these for themselves, or hinting about receiving them as gifts!  She said she had so many custom requests for gifts for new moms that she started the separate mothers' line. She said that moms are also "definitely buying the Endearments and the Initial Necklaces on their own to 'celebrate' their own kids." ~ Parents: Have you bought or received such personalized jewelry? ~

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? ~