v 3 issue 20: Girly Girls

Calling all girls. This issue is full of our favorite picks for girls who like to be hip and girly.


Cover by Alexi Killmer












1 Fashionable and adjustable, this lotus bell children’s bangle is a unique keepsake...and a definite must-have! Made of sterling silver with 2 tiny bells that will give her a gentle jingle with movement. Also features a cutout lotus pendant symbolizing new beginnings and infinite potential. Available in matching necklace for Mom too! View these and other symbolic pieces at Satyajewelry.com Enter code: tottrends for a special Gift With Purchase thru 5/16/10.

2 Editor's Pick - Get a girl what she really wants. Kids can step into the Design Studio of MOGO to pick out magnetic charms from the singles, urban, or super cute collections. Next, she can email, print, or share her choices. No guessing! MOGOs get attached to charm bands which can be adjusted to smaller sizes or increased in size by adding more bands.

3 lillipopsdesign’s precious Peasant Dress is made from a high quality recycled men's cotton dress shirts for a super soft comfortable dress that is light enough to stay cool on a warm summer day. A truly one-of-a-kind dress… you pick the size and color scheme. Enter code: TTW20 for 20% off purchases.

4 For your glamorous girly girl you must head over to Bellarisa Designs. Spice up her hair with their headbands, barrette’s, and hats. This adorable zebra print hard headband is available in infant stretchband as well. Easy way to tie back her locks and look put together for just $18. Enter code: TOT10OFF for $10 off.

5 Made from top performance Kik-Dri fabric, the Vandusen activewear set from LiliKiks keeps kids cool and dry during play & practice. These bordeaux capri pants have drawstrings on the legs and waist to match the straps of the set's tank top. Visit LiliKiks for an amazing selection of activewear: tops, bottoms, and jackets. Enter code: TTW20 at checkout for 20% off sitewide.

6 Get bink'd with the fun of temporary tattoos. These little charmers are tiny enough to adorn the ears of young ones, giving the illusion of pierced ears without the big pinch. Styles to suit the likes of boys and girls. And, they're not just for ears. Stick them on nails, books, or pretty much anywhere.

7 Solid and print satin ribbons add the dazzle to The Dance Star Tote Bag. Large enough to store all she needs for ballet, tap, or hip-hop. The decorative black tote is available for $14.95 @ everydayfairytales.com. Enter code: TTW20 for a 20% off purchases.


This weeks mom tips:
Savings Tips: Every Little Bit of Savings Adds Up
Living on a budget is the key to financial freedom, but getting started can be frustrating. When we look at our expenses and see all of those bills we're paying every month, it's easy to throw our hands up in disgust. But what about all those little expenses we incur? You might be surprised to find out just how much they amount to.

It's easy to dismiss cutting back on little things. A few dollars a month won't make a significant difference in the big picture. But a few dollars here and a few dollars there adds up to a few more dollars. When you cut back in a lot of small ways, you could end up with a lot more money at the end of the month.

Waste Not, Want Not
One thing we can do that is good for the budget is stop wasting so much. This can apply to many areas in our lives. From eating to home heating, waste equals money going down the drain unnecessarily.

Cooking for the family instead of eating takeout or dining out is a great way to save money. But if you're throwing food out, the benefit is reduced. So if you have leftovers, don't let them end up in the trash. Some dishes freeze well, and this makes for easy dinners when you don't have time to cook. You could also eat dinner leftovers for lunch the following day.

If your home is not well insulated, you're probably wasting lots of money on home heating and cooling. Insulating will cost some money up front, but it will pay for itself quickly. If you have drafts around windows and doors, weatherstripping can help maintain the temperature of your home.

Most households waste an unbelievable amount of electricity. This can be prevented in part by using energy efficient appliances and light bulbs. Turn lights, televisions, computers and other devices off when you're not using them, and open blinds to take advantage of the sun's light during the day.

Do Yourself a Favor: Do It Yourself
Any time you pay someone else to do something that you could do yourself, you're spending money unnecessarily. This applies to little things like buying coffee instead of making your own, as well as to larger expenses such as home repairs.

Many of us buy coffee or a soft drink from a convenience store or coffee shop on the way to work in the morning. This can really add up over time. Instead, make your own coffee, or buy soda in 2-liter bottles and pour some into a smaller bottle or cup to take with you. The same applies to lunches. Instead of springing for fast food, take a sandwich or something microwavable to work.

While we're not all good at all types of repairs and maintenance, most of us can do some things for ourselves. Maybe you could change your own oil instead of paying someone else to do it. If the walls need painting, consider getting friends and family to help you do it instead of hiring a painter. Things like these can save us a noticeable amount of money right away.

When you add up the savings, little things can make a big difference to the budget. So take a close look at your budget and see what small expenses are lurking there. If you can eliminate or reduce them, it could positively impact your bottom line.


Fun and Frugal Family Outings
The time we spend with our families is priceless. But most popular family activities are quite expensive. Even a simple night at the movies can put a serious dent in the budget by the time you buy tickets, popcorn and drinks for everyone.

Fortunately, there are cheaper alternatives to expensive family outings. They provide the opportunity to have just as much fun at a fraction of the cost. Some are even free.

Movies and Music
Kids are often itching to see the newest releases at the movie theater. Doing so even once a month, however, can get pricey. One alternative in some areas is the drive-in. Admission is usually much cheaper than it is at a regular theater, and some let you bring your own drinks and snacks. Drive-ins usually show fairly new releases, so the kids can say they saw something that's not out on video yet.

Some theaters offer reduced-price matinees during the day. Some even have free kid-oriented movies on weekend days. These options offer the theater experience without the outrageous cost.

Kids often want to go to concerts, but tickets to see the most famous bands are far from cheap. Check your local paper for free concerts in the park. Many areas have them during the warm months. Young children can enjoy the music without the huge crowds and deafening sound systems, and older children might gain an appreciation for less well-known bands.

The Great Outdoors
Nature offers a wealth of possibilities for family outings. Camping is a wonderful activity for families, and it doesn't have to be expensive. It can be as simple as pitching a tent in the back yard, or you can spring for a camper and rent space at a campground. Bring the grill and some hamburgers or hot dogs, or catch some fish to fry.

Parks are great for day trips. Those with playground equipment can keep youngsters entertained for hours on end. Hiking trails offer opportunities for exercise and exploration. Most parks have picnic facilities, so you can pack a lunch instead of eating out.

Other Ideas
Here are some more inexpensive family activities to consider:
* Play miniature golf. Admission is usually quite reasonable, and it provides the opportunity for relaxed yet engaging family competition.

* Visit a petting zoo. These small zoos do not have the exotic animals you see at larger ones, but kids can feed and pet the animals.

* Go to a museum. Some offer cheap or free admission, while others cost more. But the larger and more expensive ones often sell season passes, so if you live close by, you can visit numerous times for one low price.

* Go boating. If you're fortunate enough to live near a body of water, boating is fun and relaxing. Canoe and paddleboat rentals are inexpensive, and when you're done boating there are usually other cheap or free activities in the area.

* Attend events at a nearby college. These may include plays, concerts, dance recitals and movie showings. Prices are low, and student discounts usually apply to kids, too.

Having fun as a family doesn't require a six-figure income. If you look hard enough, you can find lots of free or cheap activities that parents and kids can enjoy just about anywhere.