v 5 issue 34: 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 Alexi Killmer












1 The Forest Friends Halter & Capri Set comes with brown capris dotted in white then cuffed with a turquoise print fabric. The set's halter consists of the same two fabrics. Working in unison, the fabrics perform a balancing act which playfully draws the eyes from top to bottom, so the whole outfit gets equal attention. Available @Francoise Studio. Enter code: TTW15 for 15% off purchases.

2 Rumored to be one of the prettiest dresses to step onto the pages of Tottrends, the Pinkalicious Purse Dress is another fabulous find from the shop of Elise Hooper Designs. The A-line silhouette of this dress is pampered with a purse applique...which ingeniously doubles as a pocket.

3 Cool tones are joined by brilliant accent colors to create the paisley print of this fashionable piece by babysusu. Loosen up a few buttons and slip it on a rugged little tyke for a harmonic blend of Eastern tradition and Western style. Enter code: TTWM20 for 20% off entire site

4 Checks and plaids with common colors of red and blue are methodically placed on cuffs, circles, and trim for Chipoupine's Blue & White Check Car Shirt. An extra zoom-zoom comes from six cars racing around a circle on the torso of the tunic made exclusively in France. Send email to chipoupine[at]orange.fr with code: TOT for a free Chipoupine t-shirt with purchase.

5 Ties and tucks of robust flowers quickly burst into a full skirt rooted in a coordinating polka-dot trim. The warm cherry shaded flowers coordinate nicely with tones of antique white. Thrown over a tee, warmed up with a cardigan, or all alone, the Pillowcase Dress from EmmyDoodles Too is absolutely adorable. Enter code: TOTT15 for 15% off your purchase.

6 Cinched fabrics create the look of a wiggly caterpillar, but truly sweet fabrics transform the Bugalug Belt into a necessary accessory. A brown bubble design is the reverse to the hip butterfly print. Either side has the ability to metamorphose an outfit from simple to outstanding!

7 A bountiful assortment of petunia pinks in light and dark shades are intermingled on shirts, skirts, and dresses for fun & flirty style everyone will love. Juliette Sunshine mixes the eco-friendly fabrics of organic cotton & bamboo, then throws in a few retro fabrics and trims to create unique styles with a bohemian flair.

8 The tweet, tweet of a little birdie adds even more pizazz to the Bird Day Dress designed by Candy Stick Lane Boutique. A love for color inspired the remarkable blend of patterns and textures present in this peasant style dress, but the seamstress surely worked some magic by placing them together so perfectly. Mention code: ttw30 for 30% off your purchase. You will receive a revised invoice.


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.