v 5 issue 39: Little Miss...

This issue is full of items sure to be treasured by any little miss. While this issue is geared towards girls, many products have styles for boys as well.


Cover by Jennifer Nguyen









1 Sophisticated simplicity goes into every article of clothing designed for Lillybee. The petal twirl skirt, combined with a cotton/cashmere criss-cross tank in shades of frost & pink punch, is one fine example of the outfits available in Lillybee's Collection for Spring 2010.

2 Over @ Poppy's Closet, one can find an irresistible ruffled skirt from Pink Chicken. The Ana Skirt is made from a 100% cotton lilac solid fabric. Multi-colored sequins are attached to the deep shaded stitching of each row for extra shimmer and glimmer. Each skirt ties at the waist for an adjustable fit. Enter code: TTW10 for 10% off purchases.

3 This gorgeous dress is part of the Pegeen’s Couture Collection. Totally customize this beauty for any formal occasion. Choose your fabric, length, color and accessories. If you are not quite sure of color or fabric to match your need they offer free fabric swatches. Check out their full line of exceptional choices for fancy dancy entertaining.

4 Editor's Pick - Designs by Mimi & Lola offers a custom blanket of remarkable quality. Pick 3 colors from a long list of choices, and they will customize a blanket to your liking with name, theme, & backing. The stitching is super secure to ensure a long-lasting keepsake. Enter code: TTW20 for 20% off purchases.

5 Reclaimed pink cotton is appliqued with printed lollipops of red, pink, turquoise and apple green to form the signature dress of Lollipops. Full of pretty possibilities, the peasant shift dress offers a wide, elastic neckline for no-fuss independent dressing. Enter code: TTW20 for 20% off purchases.

6 Headbands and bandanas from Ajo.Bebe are functional, fashionable, and reversible. Each colorful hair accessory quickly cleans up a bedhead, keeps hair out of eyes, or protects gentle scalps from summer sun. An amazing textile selection is now available for spring and summer. Enter code: BLOG15 for 15% off purchases thru 6/26/10.

7 Bumble Charms outfit ankles of infants and toddlers with the tunes of dainty bells. NewBee and WorkerBee sized anklets are comprised of a series of sterling silver charms. The charms send off gentle jingles into the air...allowing attendees to hone in on the location of roaming bumblers. Enter code: TTW20 for 20% off all purchases.

8 For over 75 years, the Meyer Family has been producing quality toys with safety in mind. The Print Pizazz Dazey Elephant happens to be one of those quality toys. Made from a soft velour fabric with bold and brilliant print combinations.

9 Take adorable little hair clips, wrap them up in a perfect candy wrapper, and you've got the goodie-goodie fun of Gum Drops Hair Candy. Felt clips, crocheted clips, satin clips, and more. Extra sweet gift wrapping options are available...and they're fabulous! Enter code: TTW20 for 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.