v 3 issue 17: Spring Fashion

Spring is awakening and with the weather warming up it's time to think about updating your childs wardrobe with fresh spring colors.

Cover by Allison Cottrill










1 The brilliant orange motif of the Flourish Allie Dress @ missiemoosie.com is stitched into an adorable dress of knee-length and spiced up with ruffles on all the openings. The coordinating sash is included, but together with the available headband, the outfit is dramatically converted from fabulous to stunning. Enter code: TWT10 for 10% off of all purchases.

2 Editor’s Pick- Kid Cute Ture knows girls love fashion as much as their moms do. This mother-and-daughter team brings casually sophisticated children’s clothing to a new level. The Lily strip dress is full of style! Made of Cotton spandex jersey embellished with little rhinestones around the neckline and jazzed up with a silver flower on the back and ruffled detail. Available in sizes 6-14. Made in the USA! email info[at]kidcuteture.com for pricing and use code: TTW for 15% off.

3 With Monkeybar Buddies, girls can wear their skirts and play in them too. These shorts are made to fit, but they don't ride up, bulk up, or stick to dresses. You'd never know they were there...unless she makes that upside down flip on the bars! Enter code: Tots for 15% off purchases.

4 EmmyDoodles Too is the place to shop for your little and young girls this spring. These pillowcase dresses made with designer fabrics are adorable. Wear it as a dress, shirt and layer it with your favorite tee for year round comfort and style.Enter code: TOTT15 for 15% off your purchase.

5 Never failing to bring global fashion to "the little citizens of the world", Tea Collection brings us some worldly goodies for the warmer months. Named after a folk village in Andong of South Korea, the Hahoe Plaid Shorts are rugged, knee-length cargo shorts packed with British khaki color. Adjustable waistband available on sizes 2-6.

6 A hand dyed tee with swirls of smoky charcoal and cherry punch gets even more zing from the appliqued star made of a retro bowling print. Visit Miss Sugar Pops to find the Retro Bowling Star Tee, and many other handmade goodies. Enter code: TTW for 15% off total purchase


This weeks mom tips
Organizing Tip:
Take a quick inventory of your kitchen supplies. Are there items that you have unnecessary duplicates of that you don't really need? If so, get rid of them. You can either save them for a garage sale, or give them away. Then sort your kitchen items by use and size.

Walk through the house and make notes of what needs to be done in each room. Once you have a list, make a goal to complete at least one thing off the list each day. Keep the list where you can see it.

Green Tips:
Situating your water heater as reasonably close as possible to the point of highest use (bathroom or kitchen) will save both water and energy by reducing the time it takes for hot water to reach the tap or shower.

If it's time to replumb, consider using PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) pipe rather than copper. PEX pipe has a smaller interior diameter, meaning hot water gets to the point of use faster.

If your project calls for fiberglass insulation, look for products that are free of formaldehyde.

Time Saving Tips:
Start your day 15 to 30 minutes earlier. It may be difficult initially, but you'll be gaining that much extra time in your day.

When you're done washing your clothes take them directly from the dryer and hang them up immediately to minimize the amount of time you'll have to spend ironing.


5 Running Tips For Beginners
Spring has sprung, the weather is getting nicer and you want to improve your health.

Running is a fantastic way to get in shape, lose weight, and to find better peace of mind and overall health. It's a cheap and easy way to get in shape; all you have to do is run, with little gear required. Additionally, in as little as thirty minutes you can get a very complete workout. With all the benefits it might be tempting to go out right now and run ten miles. Before you do that, keep these five running tips for beginners in mind - you'll have a better running experience if you do.

Tip #1 Start small. If you've never donned a pair of running shoes and hit the pavement, then starting with a ten or even a five mile workout can quickly result in injury and frustration. Small running goals are the best way to create a successful running program.

For example, if your goal is to run three miles in thirty minutes your first goal may be to complete three miles by both walking and running. You may even walk for five minutes and run for one minute gradually increasing your running time and decreasing your walking time. Eventually you'll be running the entire three miles and then you can work on increasing your speed.

Tip #2 Make sure you have good running shoes. Running form is one of the most important aspects of running. Improper running form leads to injuries which puts a big damper on your fitness program. The good news is that running shoes are designed to promote good running form.

If, for example, you tend to overpronate or run on the insides of your feet, which is the most common situation and is caused by feet with a low or even a normal arch, then you'd want to look for a motion control or stability shoe.

Tip #3 Run safely. If you're running alone it's important to take a few precautions. Always tell someone where you're running and how long you'll be gone. Take your cell phone and identification with you. Run in a populated area if possible. Consider investing in a keychain pepper spray or mace. If you're running on the street, learn the traffic laws for pedestrians.

Tip #4 Pay attention to your body. Injuries, blisters, and overuse happen. They're part of exercising. However if you take a few precautions and learn to listen to your body's signals then you're likely to avoid many of the issues runners face.

For example, blisters are caused by friction however well fitting shoes, moisture wicking socks and a handy supply of first aid supplies will help mitigate them.

Tip #5 Find motivation. Beginning any new fitness program can be exciting however after a few weeks or months go by the excitement can wane. If you're able to find motivation for running then it'll keep things interesting and fun and that's what it's all about, right?

So what motivates you? Are you motivated by competition? Then sign up for a race. Are you motivated by your peers? Then join a running club or run with friends. Are you energized when you listen to music? Find a small MP3 player to run with. Are you motivated by nature? Find a few good trails to run on. There are myriad ways to make running a continuously fun and interesting. Find what works for you.

Running is a fantastic way to get in shape. It's good for your heart and mind and keeping these running tips for beginners in mind will help you reach your running goals.