Learn to live green at the Chattanooga Eco Expo

Many people don't start stressing about the future of our planet until they have kids of their own to inherit it. Find out how to make your household and your world a little greener at the Chattanooga Eco Expo. Support 75+ local vendors who are working to reduce their ecological footprint, and even learn how to save some money while saving the environment.


Tuesday, April 13
10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Chattanooga Trade & Convention Center


Along those same lines, visit ChattanoogaLivesGreen.com for The Green Tip of the Day and blogging on local issues.

Shop:
50 Ways to Help Save the Earth: How You and Your Church Can Make a Difference
HELLO KITTY GO GREEN METAL LUNCH BOX

Baby-free shopping weekend and cute kid shoes

It's not easy finding a great pair of jeans with a toddler wrapped around your leg. Since I've become a stay-at-home mama, I haven't had an opportunity to go shopping...well, for myself anyway. Monkey's Auntie M came for a visit, and we escaped to the mall two days in a row sans baby (thanks, hubby!).

MISSION: comfy casual for summer and no-fuss glam for a bachelorette party. Plus, a side trip for tiny shoes at the end of this post. You know moms can't shop without picking up a few things for their bambinos!


Journeys

Puma Voltaic II
I've wanted a black and pink tennie for years!
They fit like a second skin.





American Eagle - maybe I'm a bit too old to be shopping here, but the quality is decent, the prices are good, and the fits are fabulous!

Open Heart Graphic T

Tanks and Tees are currently $10!!
I'm really diggin' this dark grey.





Cabana V-neck T

Fabulous antique blue, a touch of shimmer,
and a graphic that transports me to the beach.





Boyfit Denim Burmudas

Perfectly destructed, mama-appropriate length and under $40!
These will be my go-to jean shorts this summer.




Express

Sleeveless Belted Dress in Bali blue (above)

This one's going out next weekend!
Think I'll pair it with...

Sequin-Pocket Cropped Cardigan in black

Almost all their cardis are 40% off!

gray Flat-Pleat Mini

If you're 5'3" this is a mid-thigh length.

With soft cotton layers, it's so easy to wear and can be dressed up with a sequined tank and heels or down with a fitted tee and flats.

Gap

Pocket Boyfriend T in heathered brown

Think slub, not slob. Great for grocery store days.

Speaking of, you can get 25% off sale items at babyGap! (in-store)

And how cute are these for your munchkin?!
Sperry, Vans, Cons, Reef and Sarah-Jayne at Journeys Kidz:

Publix kid programs offer coupons, newsletters and guidance

Publix shopper? Be sure to sign up for their Baby Club or Preschool Pals program.

Baby Club

If you are expecting or have a child under 2 years, get a bundle of coupons set to coincide with your child's age, an advice-packed quarterly newsletter, and a free copy of AAP's Caring for Your Baby and Young Child (for first-time parents only).

Preschool Pals

For ages 2-4, register your little one and receive monthly e-mails and quarterly snail-mail parenting newsletters. Of course there's access to their website which gives you tips and activity ideas. Here's a snapshot of their March issue.

• Family Fundamentals: family web pages, keepsake home movies
• Child Safety: TV ratings, techno gadget safety
• Meal Planning: smoothie moves, smart foods
• Crafts: CD/DVD holder, computer frame, paper airplane
• Education & Reading: too much TV, naturally nurturing storybooks

Shop:
The Coupon Mom's Guide to Cutting Your Grocery Bills in Half: The Strategic Shopping Method Proven to Slash Food and Drugstore Costs

HGTV premieres their family coaching show Home Rules

Check out the premiere of HGTV's new series Home Rules this Monday night (3/15) at 9/8c. Fran Harris is a life coach who helps bring calm to chaos to families in crisis.

Here are three tips from Fran to help break free from complacency:

1. just do it: don't just say you love someone, "execute that love through thoughtfulness and effort"
2. say what you feel, not just what you mean: incorporate how things make you feel into your statements
3. maximize more moments: pick up the phone or send a greeting card for no reason at all...right now

Sharp shoes for spring

I'm not a flashy shoe person, nor do I need a custom-built closet to contain my footwear habit. But I do know an amazing shoe when I see one, and I'm not afraid to pay a little bit more for it...because you do get what you pay for. And no one wants to get stuck with uncomfortable pumps. Piperlime has a great selection of brands and styles, and they do a nice job of summing up seasonal trends. Without further ado, I bring you a few great spring shoes. 

Trends...

Platforms

Fossil - Ruth










Platform-Wedge

Charles David - Nurture











Wedge

Lovely People - Goldie










Cut-out Sandals from Nine West

Bottlesup

Hamish










Gladiator

Cynthia Vincent - Odeon

Matt Bernson - Sherpa











Neutrals

Charles David - Jemma

Max Studio - Xeroma











And some great classics...

Low Heels

KensieGirl - Cassie

Etienne Aigner - Vivica










Flats

Fossil - Maddox
(in coral as shown
and sand)








Flip-Flops

Havaianas - Slim Season
(hot pink/silver and navy/gold)

Reef - Sophie










Guess it's time for a pedicure!

Go bananas over this handy, inexpensive kitchen clip

as

Babies love bananas, but they don't eat an entire banana at once...and rarely do mommies. If you were using plastic bags or plastic wrap (which I despise handling), save your time, money and the environment by investing in a banana saver clip. 

I got mine for a whopping $2 at the grocery store...you guessed it, right next to the bananas. It takes up very little drawer space and keeps the exposed banana as fresh as any other covering would. After we've consumed the nanner, I just clip it onto a rung on the dishwasher's top rack.

The only downside is that you have to cut the banana instead of peeling it back, but that's not deterred me at all.

Shop:
If you're a Tupperware fan, they make a clip too. A little pricier, but it probably comes with their lifetime guarantee.
Tupperware Banana Keeper NEW

Beautiful spring flowers...just for fun!

After dazzling us with brilliant sun for a few days, Mother Nature has done her usual about-face and is showing us her ugly, rainy side. I say "fuh-get about it!" and create your own sunshine indoors. With spring a mere 11 days away and wedding season following right behind, here are a few beautiful bouquets to cheer you up and inspire your next trip to the closest flower market.  Enjoy!

 

 

Don't forget, BOGOnooga.com has buy 1, get 1 free $25 gift certificates for Chattanooga Florist. If you haven't the time or talent to arrange a centerpiece for your next gathering, this is a great deal!

Shop:
Complete Guide To Flower Arranging (DK Living) 

25% off skinny denim at LOFT and stock-up savings at Ann Taylor

Right now at LOFT, save 25% off modern slim and skinny jeans. I love the Hand-Sanded Modern Skinny Legs at right. Skinny jeans saw me through my entire pregnancy - they look adorable with long tops and the low rise fits nicely under the belly.

My current favorite LOFT piece is the Chiffon Petal Cardigan that comes in vanilla, light peach, coastal fog and black...and I may not be able to wait until it's on sale.

Have to be honest: I'm not crazy about their maternity offerings. There's a cute dress or two, but I would stick to LOFT's accessories if I were currently pregnant.

Outfit yourself for spring and save at Ann Taylor. Use code ANNSTYLE to save 25% off 2 full-price pieces or 40% off 3. Also, get free shipping on orders of $150.

Poll results: do you sneak bites of your baby's food?

Survey says:
75% of you said that you sneak bites of your baby's food only when it's something yummy.

Bring on the bananas!

Shop:
Cooking for Baby: Wholesome, Homemade, Delicious Foods for Kids From 6 to 18 Months 

Fresh Baby So Easy Baby Food Kit

Three tips for targeting your obliques plus easiest ab move ever!

Losing weight after pregnancy is hard, but getting your abs back to their former self can seem like an insurmountable challenge. Terms such as "mama pouch" and "baby cushion" are funny, but nothing in the world can make me laugh when I muffin-top over my snug jeans. And it's not just the front of your belly you have to whip back into shape...the ever-impossible obliques can present the biggest problem since they aren't affected by regular crunches and aren't used as often throughout the day.

Here are three moves that target your obliques and won't make you swear you'll never have another baby. These can be done at home in a matter of minutes.

1. the weighted side bend: stand straight with a weight (I use 10lbs) in right hand, place left hand behind head, lean to the right dropping the weight down the length of thigh, concentrate on using your abs to control the movement, hold for one count then slowly return to start position, complete 10 reps on right side (eventually building to 20), repeat with weight in left hand, do 3 sets
2. the oblique leg lift: lie on your right side on carpet or mat, support head with right hand, holding left leg parallel to ground bend right leg and place the outside of right ankle just above left knee, to begin the motion pretend there's a ball sitting on your hip, slowly lift both legs simultaneously and "curl" obliques around the ball, hold for one count and release, complete 10 reps (building to 15), repeat lying on left side, do 3 sets

3. the side plank: lie on right side on padded surface resting on right forearm, keep feet together and legs stacked and straight, engage abs to lift torso up until body is aligned (see pic to right), using core strength hold body straight for 30 seconds (building to 60), repeat on left side, do 3 sets if possible

Fun and Easy Ab Move
My absolute favorite way to work my abs involves watching primetime TV and sitting.

Invest in a large balance ball - it truly does make regular ol' crunches more effective - and sit on it instead of the couch with your feet on the floor. Start by rotating your hips, taking a few minutes to get used to the feel of balancing yourself on top. You might want to hang on to a couch arm and check your posture.
When you're comfy with this, lift your feet a few inches off the ground and use your core to balance. That's it! You're working your abs!
Once you've mastered that, the next challenges are
1. lifting one leg straight out while continuing to balance and 2. rotating your hips (causing the ball to rotate) with your feet off the floor.

And don't forget, strengthening your abs protects your back...be careful not to injure it in the process.

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Shape magazine