High Maintenance Mom

In our area schools start in mid August. When I was a kid school never started before Labor Day. It was only warm for about 2-3 weeks before the fall chill set in. Now I need a girls summer clothes for them to return to school in.

I always saved the cleanest and best of a seasons clothes. Hopefully, they will still fit next summer. But the girls grew so quickly, the carefully stored clothes rarely fit, or somehow, while being stored, they developed a stain. Wonder how that happens?

This year is just like the rest. I'll be giving the too small girls clothes to friends.

If you are anything like me, you are tired of wearing the same winter clothing. Even the kids are tired of boots, winter coats and finding their mittens. Spring can't come fast enough. At LaBella Flora Childrens Boutique girls spring clothing is arriving daily. Designers such as Hannah Banana, Flowers by Zoe, Kate Mack and Oopsy Daisy Pettiskirts all have cool spring and summer clothing you will love.

Heard on the news that today is another "Black Friday." Shoppers are expected to flood the stores for after Christmas sales and returns. Not being a lover of chaos, I'm glad that I can shop from the warmth of my living room. Internet sales are abundant, too. It's the perfect time to buy baby gifts ahead and have them ready for the next newborn in the neighborhood.

Need a fun gift that says, "I care about Global Climate Change?" Check out the We Add Up t-shirts. There are over 25 designs to choose from including Recycle, Compost, Solar, Drink Tap, Fly Less, Inflate (tires), and Turn Off (lights). Each organic shirt is hand printed with a unique number. Most of the shirts have the We Add Up tagline, "No one can do everything. Everyone can do something" on the back...

Are you a lover of the traditional red girls holiday dress? This season, traditional dresses are updated with sequins, tulle, and sparkly faux jewel trims. Biscotti dresses create unique uses of the traditional to make each Christmas season special. Matching sister dresses make for gorgeous family photos.

Today is warm and sunny. But the weather report for next week is a abrupt shift to cooler temperatures. It's hard to know just what to send along with the kids to school for recess. Corky Coats makes great fall jackets and warm girls winter coats. Girls love to wear the printed pile, in polka dot patterns, or pretty paisleys. Matching hats are too cute.

It's approaching all too quickly. Back to school shopping. Girls clothes that looked good on your daughters in May now are too tight, too worn, or if your daughter is like mine, stained. Even though it seems like summer vacation just started, it will be just a memory all too soon.

Skip the long, hot, shopping trip to the mall and select the latest in girls back to school clothes online.

Tankini, one piece or bikini? Mom's have a decision to make when their daughters are choosing girls swimsuits. Designers such as Kate Mack and Banana Cabana create cute swimwear in all three styles. Older girls often have a strong preference, while babies seem to feel most comfortable in one piece or tankinis.

A good friend of mine introduced me to Gloucester Oneseas (http://www.gloucesteroneseas.com) recently and I was impressed with both the clothing and the cause they promote. My daughter loves her star fish t-shirt and my son's organic blue fish onesea is a hit. Just in time for summer the web site has adorable sea life inspired shirts and oneseas. But most of all I love that this company has decided to team up with The Ocean Project (http://www.theoceanproject.org) and donate a portion of all sales to the organization. The Ocean Project is an international network of aquariums, zoos, museums and conservation organizations. They work to educate their visitors of the important role each person plays in conserving the plant. Check out Gloucester Oneseas for their fun summer t's and oneseas and your kids can wear the clothes knowing they helped mother earth.