I asked the owner of Arboretum Skin Care, Olga, what types of ingredients we should avoid using on young children. While she only creates skin care solutions and remedies for adults, she is both my aunt and a molecular biologist, so I value her opinion! She said that babies and kids should avoid ingredients such as PABA, sodium lauryl sulfate, mineral oil, lanolin, perfumes, pigments and dyes.  She added that preservatives such as formaldehyde, parabens and diazolidinyl urea should be avoided as well.  She explained that all of these ingredients can cause allergies and contact dermatitis. She also said that most of the time petroleum jelly (Vaseline) is pretty harmless, but that it can clog pores. ~ Parents: Have you found any baby bath or skin care products that you especially like? ~

My friend Sara received a one-of-a-kind PachaMamma plush toy and wanted me to see how cute they are! I asked the company's owner, Janie, what kinds of fabric are best for these unique buddies.  She said that "stuffed animals can be made from just about any fabric: 100% cotton, corduroy, minky, knit fabric and more! Although my favorite fabric to make stuffed animals with is corduroy!  It gives a soft, sweet look while providing a little texture.  Parents could send me a specific fabric, or I am able to get more fabrics at my local fabric stores!  Stuffed animals, or any product from my store can be personalized.  A great option for gifts!" Sounds like another great opportunity for "Upcycling" some favorite baby clothes or blankets.  ~ Parents: Have you turned any favorite baby items into keepsakes? ~

I asked Mae, co-owner of Ruby's Garden, what tips they have for parents shopping for used children's clothing.  They have recently started carrying second-hand clothing, and here is what Mae said. "Finding great second-hand clothes for your kids starts with going to a source you trust.  If you don't have time to wade through racks and racks of clothes, avoid thrift stores and go straight to boutiques which buy styles that suit your tasted and quality expectations.  You'll save time and money by buying pieces your child will actually wear, and higher quality clothing will last long enough for you to sell it back when your child outgrows it!  Most gently-used departments are organized by gender and size, but be sure to check both boys and girls racks in your child's size so you don't miss the more unisex styles.  Finally, if you have time, browse outside the official size your child is wearing, since sizing can vary widely among different brands." ~ Parents: What other tips do you have for shopping for used kids' clothing? ~

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? ~