Pregnancy Exposure

Posted Saturday, May 29, 2010


As some of you know - I work in a Genetics Center where we handle a wide range of issues with children and babies. One service we offer is a pregnancy exposure hot-line. I thought, since summer is upon and these basic questions pop up alot on the hot line that I would share some info for anyone who is expecting or knows someone who is :)...then I'm off to the pool YAY!

1. Hair Color:
Highlights are fine b/c they dont touch the scalp - hair dye, however is a no no b/c it saturates your scalp and is then absorbed into your blood stream.

2. Teeth Whitening:
Hormone levels are elevated during pregnancy and increase tooth sensitivity - which makes whitening a bad idea The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry recommends waiting until you've finished breast feeding.

3. Acne
Spot Treatment ONLY - no over all acne systems on a regular basis!

4. Fake Tanning
These are ok - b/c they only sit on the skins surface.

5. Hair Removal
SHAVING ONLY! No chemical removal!

6. Manicure
Manis and Pedis are fine just make sure the salon is well ventilated b/c they can have fumes-o-plenty from all the procedures going on at once!

EtsyKids Design Challenge - We Have a Winner!

Posted Friday, May 28, 2010

Congratulations to the winner of this month's challenge 62. Hummingbird and Wildflowers Dress Reserved for Izzie by: greengoat ! At Green Goat you'll find an appealing array of colors and elegant illustrations screen printed onto 100% organic cotton baby garments. All are hand dyed and printed using eco-friendly, low- impact dyes and inks, making it a safe and wonderful addition to your baby's wardrobe. You can view their entire collection by following this link.


"100% Organic and Original Screenprinted Apparel for those who hunger for something fresh, different, and eco friendly. "

EtsyKids Design Challenge - It's time to VOTE!

Posted Friday, May 21, 2010

It's time to vote for your favorite item! Voting will be open through midnight EST on Thursday, May 27th. This month, EtsyKids members were challenged to create an exciting new item based on a theme "Flowers". We received a lot of fantastic entries from some talented designers and crafters. Each designer was assigned a unique random number. Please note your favorite from the list below and place your vote. You can also view each entry in detail by clicking on links provided at the bottom of this post or HERE.


(If you can't view the voting poll above, please follow HERE to vote.)

1. Garden Fairies by: raspberrykidz,
2. Pink Cupcake by: PBDesign
3. Cherry Blossom Custom Name with Large Wooden Letters - set of 4 letters by: LittleElephantCo
4. Flowers and France Purse for girls OOAK by: Bellesmademoiselles
5. Handmade Soft Fabric Toy Ball for baby- Pop Garden by: woodponddesigns
6. Alexander Henry Little Girls Dress Handmade by: OriginalsbyLaurenToo
7. Cheerful Double Flower Headband by: peanutfeet
8. RTS SALE....Custom Explosion Box...Scrapbook...Gift Card/Money Holder... The all-inclusive gift by: sweetdreamsboutique
9. Silly Swirls Blooms Set of 6 by: GaddyNipperCrayons
10. Fresh Picked Simplicity Apron Knot Dress Size 2T, 3T, or 4T by: elizakatedesigns
11. Signs of Spring Receiving Blanket and Burp Cloths by: Lilikin14
12. Spring Daisy Cotton Cap and Booties Baby Set Hand Knit and Crochet Yellow Orange by: ohbabydotcom
13. Newborn Flower Hat by: 40LittleToesDesigns
14. Reversible Jumper Dress - Custom Order 6M-5T by: BellaShade
15. Mixed Floral Cupcake Wall Hanging by: LilBitSassy
16. SO SWEET Ribbon Flower Clippie - Chocolate Flowers by: AllThingsGirly
17. Girl's Blanket - Luxurious Pink Minky With Alexander Henry Kleo Designer Cotton by: SnazzySnugglies
18. SPRING FLOWER DREAM CUPCAKE HAT NEWBORN- MADE TO ORDER by: NinisHandmades
19. Girl's Flared-Leg Pants in repurposed fabrics - Size 12M Size 0, purple floral with blue trim by: sparklepanda
20. Mermaid Soft Toy- Turquiose Hair by: TheSewingLoft
21. Cashmere Cloche Baby Hat- Free Shipping in US by: jaclyn43552
22. Pretty Flowers----Baby-Toddler-Childrens Neck Travel Pillow by: Tracysarah
23. Robbins Egg Crochet Summer Hat by: SadieBearAccessories
24. Roxy Bird and the Butterfly - 8 x 10 Print by: AndThen
25. Etsy Kids challenge entry, minky baby or toddler blanket and 2 burp cloths. towels, Fresh flowers and green polka dot gift set by: yourloveyboutique
26. I'm Making a Grand Entrance in My Twirly Dress by: bipsbabes
27. Flowers Children's Board Book by Matthew Porter by: matthewporterart
28. Tiered Sundress - Summer Flowers - Girls Size 3 FREE Shipping to US and Canada by: JoyfullySewnDesigns
29. Girl's LOVED Small Tote in hot pink and bright orange flowers by: HelensCorner
30. Daisy Tee 24m/2t up to 5/6t by: plumtreestudio
31. Boutique FELT Layered Flower Nylon Headband with Pearl Center-----------ENGLISH GARDEN-----WHITE on WHITE BAND-------- by: SOUTHERNBABYBOUTIQUE
32. Pink Print Fabric Flower Hair Clip by ccooperdesigns-FREE SHIPPING in U.S. by: ccooperdesigns
33. Skirted Diaper Cover in Orange Floral by: vivyscloset
34. Boutique Style lined alligator Clips - Flower Clip Yellow Collection by: sunshineshoppe
35. Ryder Hand Painted Personalized Wood Doll Pendant by: peanutbutterbandit
36. Floral Print with Yellow-Orange Summer Blanket by: lilstinkercrafts
37. NEW...SUMMER 2010...FANCY ANCY TWIRL SKIRT...NEEMIES by: neemies
38. Wrap N Snap REVERSIBLE Car Seat Covers for Infants Toddlers and Adults (c) by: AmyRoseDesigns
39. Free Shipping Flowers Bubble Skirt sizes 3 mos.-10 years by: cuppycakedesigns
40. Infant Overall in Ivory Wildflowers - sized 0-6 months - READY TO SHIP by: OverallBaby
41. Hand Sewn Ribbon Rose Headband - OOAK Victorian Millinery Head Piece by: FruitsOFtheBLooM
42. Bucolic Cows on Wheels - Wooden Folk Push Toy / Art toy by: prettydreamer
43. Laney's Emergency Hat - Green Garden by: TawnyBee
44. SandDance Custom Boutique Posey Girl A Line Jumper / Capri Pant 2pc set Sz 6mos to 6T by: SandDance
45. Peasant Dress by: RainbowDreamBabies
46. Flower Gumball necklace by: cfarmdesigns
47. Flower Toddler Dress size 3 by: angelswan81
48. Little Miss Frilly tea party crochet cloche SHIPPING SPECIAL by: littlemissfrilly
49. Hot/Cold Cup Sleeve by Woolly Boo - Everlasting Bloom by: WoollyBoo
50. Princess and Her Frog Prince Messenger by: meeabee
51. Boutique Suri Dress in Black Floral and Houndstooth by: kangacoo
52. Slouchy Purse with Matching Headband by: melanieganson
53. FREE SHIPPING......The Kelsie Dress by: lovetagsandbags
54. Fancy flower on purple long sleeve onesie, 6-12 Months by: hounddogdesigns
55. Whimiscal Crown - Roses by: StellandLivi
56. Flowers and Flutters -- Creativity Wallet -- Includes Crayons and Notepad -- Ready to Ship by: DucksInARowBoutique
57. Medium Pink Polka Dots with Grey and Pink Swirl Flower by: jenlucasdesigns
58. SUNFLOWER Ribbon Ruffle Socks and Hair Bow Set...Custom Made ANY Size by Giggle Baby Designs...Adorable Boutique Set...Perfect for Summer by: gigglebabydesigns
59. NEW FOR SUMMER 2010 - Big Poppy Apron Skirt - 6m, 12m, 18m, 2, 3, 4, 5 by: 1crown3tiaras
60. Personalized Eco-friendly Rainbow Garden Stationery by: kindlivingdesigns
61. Handmade Dolly Rattle with Flower Bow in Anna Maria Horner Fabric by: MissBakerStitches
62. Hummingbird and Wildflowers Dress Reserved for Izzie by: greengoat
63. Girly Girl Organic Cotton Flower T Shirt by: BoutiqueLuckyStars
64. NEW design Luau Twirly Skirt BLUE and PINK Hula Girl 12 months to size 7 Made on Maui by: tikitales
65. Custom Boutique Girls Linen Tank Top 18m 2T 3T 4T 5T 6 7 Floral Citrus by: HotLavaClothing
66. Child's Hand Painted Step Stool by: GrowinLikeAWeed
67. Flowers organic baby blanket by: curlymonkey
68. Size 4 capri pants outfit - The Daisy Collection by: SassySweeties
69. AVA ROSE Aqua Pink VINTAGE ROSES Custom SUMMER Boutique Pillowcase Dress by: lilsweetieboutique
70. Flower trails crayon roll set by: ChildishThoughts
71. salt water taffy top in butterscotch - sz 18m.-2 by: sunnybrookfarmdesign
72. Hippie Chick Reversible Kerchief Headband by: creativemindboutique
73. Custom Felt Doll - You pick Hair and Details - MADE JUST FOR YOU by emmiscottageetsy
74. NEW May Flowers Personalized Folded Notecards by: theenglishpea
75. Custom Boutique Handmade Garden Apron Dress 6-12 months, 12-18 months, 18-24 months, 2T, 3T, 4T, 5, 6, 7, 8 (You pick the fabric) by: Brkids
76. Japanese Cherry Blossom with Butterflies Baby Blanket - Pink and Cream - New Item by: BBsForBabies

Summertime Summertime...

Posted Monday, May 17, 2010

So how fantastic would it be to find the absolute best handmade kids items around, chock full of style and flair yet without leaving the privacy of your own home? A dream, right? Well your dream's come true! If you haven't yet seen the EtsyKids Summer Shopping Guide here and before you go, fix yourself a nice tall glass of tea, you're gonna be there awhile! Hard not too with all of the wonderful items around ~ its your seasonal guide to all the best handmade stuff for babies, toddlers, & children!

Happy Shopping!!

Oh My Aching Back!

Posted Saturday, May 15, 2010


I have been suffering from back issues for what seems like 100 years, although actually I guess it started after the birth of my fist child 17 years ago...sigh...SO I invested in a yoga ball several months ago and I've been sitting on it at work - which helps TONS and then I've been doing basic stretching exercises when I get up in the mornings, which also helps - I found this chart in the new issue of Parenting Magazine this morning and I pulled the yoga ball out and gave it a whirl and I LOVE it - these few simple exercises make a world of difference!!! Enjoy!

**When you click on the image you can zoom in for easier reading**

EtsyKids Design Challenge for May: Flowers

Posted Friday, May 14, 2010


Each month EtsyKids Team members are challenged to create a unique item within a chosen theme. This month's challenge, "Flowers", was picked by last month's winner FRANCISBEL. EtsyKids members will have until May 19th to submit their entries, and voting will be open to everybody from Friday, May 21st to Thursday, May 27th. So, be sure to come back to the EtsyKids blog for a new post on the 21st to see all of the entries and VOTE! In the meantime, please click here to get a sneak peek at some exciting entries so far!

Posted Sunday, May 09, 2010

To all of you from all of us at EtsyKids! Have a wonderful day! Happy Mother's Day!!!

Snack Sacks

Posted Thursday, May 06, 2010

So have you made any of Amy's fabric snack sacks? So simple and cute huh! If you have we wanna see pictures!

I've got it bookmarked! Fabric snack sacks have been on my "to-do" wish list for the entire school year! And now that summer is just around the corner, I need them even more with sports and swimming and long rides in the car and trips to the zoo, library and park. You see where I'm going.

Not everyone is handy with a sewing machine, and let's face it, even if we are, sometimes it's just more cost effective to let someone else do the work ... hello! How many plastic baggies have my kids thrown away this year? I don't even want to think about it.

So if you're looking to purchase reusable fabric snack sacks the EtsyKids team has a great selection of fabrics and styles perfect for everyone in the family. Check it out:

Tutorial Tuesday...

Posted Tuesday, May 04, 2010

Well they both started with a T, so I figured why not?? So today, I thought it would be fun to show you how to make something! I love tutorials. So, how about a reusable snack bag? My kids love them and we use them all the time. Not only are they earth friendly (no trash) better for your food (no plastic here) but they are also cute, and you can make them in any fabric your little one desires. Elmo? No problem! Princesses? Absolutely! And these are so ridiculously easy!! You need cotton fabric, velcro and thread. Simple! (PLEASE ignore the wrinkles...my iron died last night so I could not press anything)

Ok, here goes. First you need to figure out what size you want your bag. I just measured a sandwich bag and added 1 inch to the measurements for seam allowances. Or just pick a number! How about 6" high by 6" wide? Super easy! SO, I take my outer fabric and cut it 13" long (because you want it twice the finished length of your bag plus an inch) by 7" wide. If you are doing a lining, then you want to cut a lining piece the same size. (now if having the fabric on the back of your bag be upside down will bother you, then you can cut the fabric in half down the middle and sew them back together (right sides together) so that the fabrics will both be right side up)

I cut a strip of velcro approx. 5" long, but you can adjust it as you like, and also as needed for the size of your bag. I also like to cut this in half long ways because a thinner strip will hole the bag together just fine. And it pulls open a little easier for my 2 year old :)

Now, I sew one strip of velcro across one end of my lining fabric (on the right side) about an inch, inch and a half from the edge. Sew the other piece of velcro to the opposite end. I like to sew a big zig zag down the length of the velcro to make sure it won't come off. It will be opened a lot :)

Now I put the 2 pieces of velcro together, "closing" the lining and sew up each side (on the wrong side of the fabric) now you have a pouch.



Next take your outer fabric and fold it in half, wrong sides facing you just like the lining and sew up the sides. Now you have 2 pouches :)


Turn the outer fabric right side out, and place it inside the lining fabric (you have to pull open the velcro) so now the right sides of both the lining and outer fabric are facing each other. Now stitch around the top of the bag, leaving a 1-2 inch opening so you can turn the snack bag right side out. Turn your bag right side out, stuff the lining inside the outer fabric, and press the top edge. Now make sure you turn the opening under and press really well too. Tostitch along the top edge, closing the opening and making your bag look neat, and *TA DA*!! You have a snack bag! Now go make  a bunch and have a picnic with your kiddos :)


You can aslo use PUL instead of a lining and make a wetbag for swimsuits, swim diapers, cosmetics, etc. :)
Thanks for stopping by! Happy sewing!!

Project Runway

Posted Monday, May 03, 2010

My oldest daughter is 5 and having her own opinions is an understatement. That girl knows what she wants when she wants it and if she doesn't, she'll let you know that too and stick with it. Oh yeah, she'll stick to her guns even when she doesn't know what she wants. And when it comes to clothes, I no longer have a say.

Oh sure, I buy the clothes, all cute and coordinated, but does she necessarily wear them that way, um, no. Once it's in the closet, anything goes. I've found that if I don't interfere with her getting dressed, she'll just do it. Granted, sometimes modifications need to be made according to weather, but generally, she's wearing clothes and that works for me. We all know what the alternative is when she doesn't pick out her clothing. :oP

When I take Peri to preschool, we're usually met with giggles from parents and odd looks from her peers, but everyone pretty much expects that Peri dresses to the beat of her own drum. They're usually tickled pink by her choices. And speaking of pink, no outfit is complete without it. Also, her idea of color coordination is usually, "Look, my shirt is pink and my skirt has pink." Never mind that they're completely different colors and shades of pink; if it's classified as pink, they match.

Lately, I've been documenting my future Project Runway contestant. Now you can all say you knew her when. I'm just waiting for the day when she becomes a trendsetter and what she wears today ends up on every girl next week. Until then, I shall continue to document and smile.

Yes, she's wearing two headbands.

Did you notice this is her favorite dress? Keep in mind, she wore this outfit when it was sunny and warm outside.

Over the weekend, Jim and I were working in the yard and asked Peri to go put some pants on to play in. She put on the outfit above and started to head out. "Peri, you need to wear pants." To which she responded by pulling up her skirt and revealing a pair of shorts. "I did!"

Hip Hip Hooray!

Posted Sunday, May 02, 2010

Full of goodies for the coming summer months, the newest edition of Modern Handmade Child is here! Hip Hip Hooray!
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