Orders placed by 2/18 can be delivered to you in just FOUR business days*

*In-stock items only; shipping dates do not apply to special orders.

You can also pick up your SparkleSkirt from us at our Princess expo booth.
Questions? Please email Leah.

If you have purchased from us before, you KNOW how seriously we take our shipping.
So we want to give you the heads-up on our shipping schedule while we are on the road for the Tinkerbell Half Marathon expo.

Please take note of our shipping schedule over the next few weeks:

• Orders placed between January 19th and 26th be shipped on January 27, 2012 (if in stock).
• Orders placed between January 27th and 31st will be shipped February 1, 2012 (if in stock).
• Special orders received between January 19th and February 1, will be processed beginning on February 2, 2012. On special orders, we will communicate with you after you place your order to give you a projected delivery date, or you may email Leah to inquire about special-order scheduling before ordering.

Thanks so much for your patience everyone! Next stop, the Princess!

Questions? Please email Leah to discuss.

It isn’t too late to look sparkly and sassy at the Tinkerbell half marathon.

Place your order by end of day 1/18/12 and we process same day and ship priority mail

Standard items only; no special order colors available for this special offer

C U @ the Tink!

Questions? Please email Leah to discuss.

For those of your Running a WDW Marathon Weekend race, you can still look Sparkle-licious!

Place your order by 12:00 noon EST, Friday, January 6, 2012 and we will hand-deliver to your hotel!

Standard items only; no special order colors available for this special offer

Ready to order? Please email Leah ASAP to learn more

Team Remedy Fitness is a group of dedicated volunteers who encourage people to participate in charitable athletic events, like 5k runs, walking events, or even as volunteers.

Kristin and her husband, Jeff, started the group after Kristin’s mother passed away in 2009 as a tribute to the woman who had encouraged Kristin to make lifestyle changes and take charge of her health.

“As a tribute to my mom, I thought about doing one event a month in 2010 to honor her memory,” says Kristin. “Then I thought: Why not put a team together and have a mission to give people a way to prove to themselves that they can do something athletic. By doing charitable events, they could help others at the same time.”

The Molldrems’ goal of engaging in twelve events turned out to be a little on the light side. By the time the duo’s family and friends got involved, the 2010Remedy Fitness team had 150 participations in 41 different events.

“That’s 150 people who helped make a difference,” Kristin says.

Helping all fitness levels enjoy athletic activities

Jeff Molldrem of Remedy Fitness running in a SparkleSkirt to raise money for the Susan G Komen Chicago 3-Day for a Cure. Kristin jokes: "Jeff looks better in his skirt than I do! What's up with THAT?"

“We wanted to get people who might think they weren’t the right weight, build, or whatever, to try an event,” says Kristin. “We knew that they could prove to themselves that they CAN succeed.”

Case in point: One of Kristin’s friends was certain that her 300-pound frame would prevent her from participating in a 5k. “She told me, ‘I can’t do a 5k because I can’t run,’” Kristin says. “I said to her: ‘Who says you have to run it? Let’s walk it together!’”

With great joy, the two women completed the event. “She never thought that goal was obtainable—but it was,” Kristin says.
______________________________________________________

Winning the fight against cancer

The lesson that exercise is for all bodies is one that Kristin learned first hand.

At age 30, Kristin was a cervical cancer survivor and had a heart condition. “I started eating less bad stuff and walking ¼ mile at a time,” she says. “I worked my way up to a 60-mile walk and was able to stop taking three prescriptions.”

In 2008, after having her son, Kristin was diagnosed with a second bout of cervical cancer. While frustrated at the disease’s reoccurrence, Kristin found that her healthier lifestyle kept her spirits high.

“Mentally, it was much easier to deal with cancer by being in better physical condition,” she says. “I was in better condition to keep going. My body might be fighting me, but I’m going to do what I can to fight back.”

Kristin and Jeff found that their experience with cancer wasn’t unique. Most of the people who volunteered to be on the Remedy Fitness team were participating in events to benefit the fight against cancer.

This emphasis on fighting cancer can be seen in the group’s logo:

“Our logo is made up of 8 different colored ribbons representing different cancers that have affected us, family and friends,” says Kristin. “So, while our mission is to be charitable in general, we will be looking for and participating in as many cancer related events as possible. Together we can ‘remedy’ these health problems!”

How you can get involved

From her seed of an idea 18 months ago, team Remedy Fitness now has participants from all over the country.

The informal group has no dues or fees; instead, the Molldrems want people to donate money to the worthy charitable organizations that put on the athletic events.

Anyone who agrees with the group’s mission of being active and charitable is welcome to register themselves or their group as a Remedy Fitness team, or to volunteer for events under the team name.

Kristin and Jeff will send you and your team t-shirts to wear and encourage teams to send photos for sharing on Facebook and on the Remedy Fitness website.  For more information, you may reach the Molldrems at 414-238-1863 or by email at  info@remedyfitnessteam.com.

 “People come out of these events so happy,” says Kristin. “They help both themselves and a greater cause. You just can’t beat that feeling.”

–

All of us at SparkleSkirts salute Kristin and Jeff for increasing awareness of health, fitness, and giving back. Thank you! To read more stories of inspiration, please check out our Sparkle Blog

SparkleSkirts is here for YOU, our fabulous, fun, INCREDIBLE SparkleSisters!

So…here are several fabrics we have chosen for the spring racing season. If you have a moment, please vote on the top three fabrics that you would like to see made into a SparkleTech skirt. We’ll let you know which ones come out on top!

"Ambrosia"

"Autumn"

"Calcutta"

"Exotic"

"Neon Luv "

"Peace N Luv"

"Racey"

"Swirly Purple"

"Tropical Spring"

"Victoria"

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Every mile Beverly takes helps the Gertrude A. Barber Foundation which supports special-needs adults and children including those with autism.

Beverly is part of that exclusive group of runners who has challenged themselves to run a half marathon in every state–and she plans to have them all run by the time she is 70!

In an interview with Beverly, we found out what—and who—inspires her.

SparkleSkirts: What (or who) prompted you to begin this remarkable journey?
Beverly DiCarlo: After I retired from teaching, a fall down a flight of stairs left me hospitalized. I had lots of time to think about my physical fitness… or the lack of it. My son, David, who is a runner, challenged me to train for a sprint triathlon. I trained, finished the tri, then finished three more!

SS: What age were you?
BD: That was all before my sixty-fifth birthday.

SS: Did you get a coach or did you train by yourself?
BD: I did online research and read books such as Running Until You’re 100 by Jeff Galloway, The Complete Guide to Marathon Walking by Dave McGovern and Racewalk Like a Champion by Jeff Savage. When I started training for my first triathlon, I couldn’t run more than several blocks before my knee would swell. So, I was forced to racewalk all my triathlons. I averaged 13-minute miles in all my 5k and 10k tri races.

SS: Then you decided to take the next step?
BD: Yes, my son said he thought I could train to go even farther. That’s when I decided to run a half-marathon in every state, and I would do it to raise money for the Gertrude A. Barber Foundation.

SS: And you have an important reason for that decision.
BD: Yes, my grandson, Aidan, was diagnosed with autism at a very young age, and I have seen what the foundation has done for him and many others.

SS: That helped you get very serious about your running?
BD: Yes, in 2010, while at Disneyland for a half-marathon, I attended every lecture presented by Jeff Galloway. He introduced me to the run/walk concept and told me it would keep me injury-free. I’ve been using his method ever since, I average 12-minute miles and have remained injury free. I have even placed within the top three slots in almost all my races, regardless of the number of runners in my age group!

SS: What is your training regimen?
BD: I run for 45 minutes twice a week and complete a long run, up to as much as 15 miles, on weekends. I alternate running days with biking and swimming.

SS: Do you have any favorite races?
BD: I like the Rock n’ Roll series of races because they are well-organized, easy to travel to and they have great expos. Great courses, plenty of volunteers, and a terrific band every mile or so.

SS: Which race challenged you the most so far?
BD: The Hatfield & McCoy Half Marathon! The course winds through West Virginia and Kentucky and it includes running up Blackberry Mountain!

SS: How has all of this benefited your health?
BD: Very helpful! I take a baby-aspirin every day for heart health, I passed my bone-density test, I’ve never been on hormone drugs, and I have plenty of energy. I lead a very active life!

SS: What funny things can you recall from your training or from race events?
BD: When I was preparing for my very first triathlon, I called the local Y and explained that I was 65 and needed to sign up for a swim class. Imagine my surprise when I showed up for the class to find the pool full of 5 and 6-year-olds. When I checked the roster, there was my name with the notation: “Not sure of Bev’s age, either 5 or 6, so put her in the proper group.” The little ones were relieved when the lifeguard offered to teach me in a separate pool.

As for races…every time my husband and I check into the race hotel, the clerks always turn to my 6’1” husband and wish him good luck in the race. He hasn’t run in years! Guess they don’t imagine a short, silver-haired granny would even think about entering a race.

SS: What support do you get for your races?
BD: My family encouraged me to do this. They thought up my “Race with Grammy” website and designed my logo…a rocking chair with a pair of running shoes hanging off the side. My son runs some races with me. Many friends and businesses have supported me with their contributions to the Gertrude A. Barber Foundation. The Erie Running Club designated the foundation as their annual Mother’s Day race charity. We raised $8,800 in May 2011. I even appreciate fellow runners and spectators who recognize the autism ribbon imprinted on my t-shirt and cheer me on!

What inspires me the most are the parents, relatives and caregivers of children and adults with special needs. Thinking of their patience, dedication and “can do” attitude makes me realize that my little 1,310,000 steps while doing a half marathon is nothing compared to their lifetime of dedication.

SS: Do you have any racing mantras or superstitions?
BD: For each mile of a race, I think of a family member. In the final mile, when it’s the toughest, I think of Aidan, who is now ten years old, and how he strives every day to accomplish things that most of us take for granted. That gets me across the finish line every time.

Beverly’s website is www.RaceWithGrammy.com. Every dollar donated goes directly to the Gertrude A. Barber Foundation. Beverly pays her own race fees and travel expenses.

The SparkleTech skirt that Beverly is wearing will be produced in December, 2011. We call it Summer Green, but it is a great choice for Disney races, winter holiday races, and–yes, it never hurts to plan ahead–Shamrock races.

From each sale of Summer Green SparkleTech skirts, $2 will be donated to the Gertrude Barber Foundation to help support children and adults with special needs. To reserve your Summer Green SparkleTech, please email Leah.

“Wedgies” are appropriate for cheddar cheese, chunky sandals, or even 1970’s hair dos.

But wedgies and running shorts do not mix!

That’s why we invented the SparkleTech running skirt with built-in wicking shorts that are GUARANTEED not to ride up. SparkleTech lets you look kicky and be comfortable when you get your run or walk on.

SparkleTech skirts flatter any figure (especially “curvy” shapes) and our built-in moisture-wicking shorts really do stay put!

There are plenty of running skirts on the market, but not all running skirts are created equal. Our skirts let you add fun, style, and comfort to your run or walk with these great features:

• The generously cut skirt is attractive for all body shapes, including the fuller figure (the skirt also hides cargo riding in the leg pockets of the shorts).
• Speaking of leg pockets…each one can hold a tennis ball, your smart phone, or your favorite gummy bears!
• A third, 12-inch pocket resides inside the waistband, hidden behind a zipper. It can safely conceal your ID, credit cards, gel-packs, and your Starbucks card.
• The moisture-wicking undershorts feature a 6” inseam (great for modesty—longer than any other running skirt), a chafe-resistant crotch (you’re welcome!) and an anti-ride thigh cuff that keeps you safely in the wedgie-free zone.
• If you prefer wearing your zipper pocket in the back, the skirts are reversible.
• Fabrics range from sparkly attention-grabbers great for racing to solid colors for tough training days.
• Sizes run from extra-small (size 1) to 4XL (size 30)
• Like all SparkeSkirts products, SparkleTech technical skirts are proudly made in the USA.

“In my opinion, the most genius aspect of the SparkleSkirt SparkleTech is the shorts.  Leah promises that the legs do not ride up—and she actually delivers on the promise.  I have tried so many skorts in my life, and the legs have always ridden up on me.  This is not fun anytime, but it’s especially not fun during a run.  SparkleTech SparkleSkirts have a special designed leg that has an inner thigh band.  This band prevents the leg from budging while running.  It actually worked for me!” ~Amy Smith, runner and blogger

Because there is no cool way to “un-do” a wedgie, why not give SparkleTech technical skirts a try and save yourself the race day hassle?

We invite you to check out our selection of SparkleTech technical skirts. If you need just the shorts, please visit our SparkleBottoms page.

In 2008, Kara decided that she needed to take aggressive steps in her life-long battle with obesity and opted to have bariatric surgery. Her procedure was performed in 2010.

But surgery was only half of Kara’s quest for improved health. Despite having no experience with exercising, this Michigan mother of two and employee benefits professional resolved to take control of her body and fitness. Her results and her story are inspiring.

A lifetime of struggles with weight

From the time she was about 10 years old, Kara battled excess weight. By the time she was in her late 20s, she had reached almost 400 pounds. Sickness and exhaustion were part of her everyday life. “I was very ill,” Kara says.

During this time, Kara’s mother read an article on polycystic ovary syndrome and wondered if this could be impacting Kara’s weight. After six weeks of treatment, Kara had lost 50 pounds and was able to overcome infertility problems that had been plaguing her personal life.

Managing her polycystic ovary syndrome allowed Kara to have two successful pregnancies and experience some weight loss. But post pregnancy, her weight crept back up to 350 pounds.

In 2008, Kara opted to have weight loss surgery. This decision did not come easily—Kara was not having other health problems like diabetes and high blood pressure, so deciding to have the surgery was really a “pre-emptive strike” at future health problems and to set an example for her children.

“My overall goal for having the weight-loss surgery was to better demonstrate to my kids the importance of a healthy lifestyle and treating the body you have been given in the proper way—that includes diet and exercise,” says Kara.

Kara’s family and physicians were supportive of her choice. Her endocrinologist called Kara a “poster child for people who truly need the surgery” due to her metabolic and hormonal issues.

In early 2010, Kara underwent the surgical procedure.

Exercise: Kara’s new frontier

Having surgery and losing weight was only part of Kara’s fitness battle. At age 40, Kara was a virtual stranger to exercise.

“When I was younger, I didn’t want to engage in physical activity because of my weight,” Kara says. “I couldn’t do what the other kids did and felt really inhibited.”

Kara started to exercise to prepare for surgery. “Before my surgery, it took me 32 minutes to walk a mile on a treadmill, and every time it felt like I was going to die,” says Kara. “I wouldn’t have run even if you chased me with a weapon.”

Fortunately, with her new body came a new motivation. Kara reached a 100-pound loss in August, 2010, due to both her pre- and post-surgery efforts. When she hit this milestone, she made a commitment to run the Disney Beauty & the Beast 5k in February, 2011.

“The 5k coincided with my ‘surgi-versary,’” Kara says, “and by the time the race came around I had lost another 70 pounds.”

Kara’s performance at the Princess was a rousing success. “I told everyone I was going to walk it, but I ran it instead!” Kara says. “I came across the finish line surrounded by a supportive group of Disney friends who I consider ‘real runners’ who only did this race for me.  I held the hands of my friends Katie and Liz high in the air. I sobbed at the end with joy. Truly, it was my victory lap.”

Enjoying her accomplishments

Today, Kara walks and runs three to four times a week and marvels at what she has accomplished.

“I am proud of what I have achieved,” Kara says. “You cannot imagine how great it feels to not carry around the equivalent of a whole other person on your back.”

You might think that someone experiencing such a dramatic weight loss would be fixated on the look of her new body—but Kara’s delight has nothing to do with her appearance.

“For me, the joy of being healthy is that it allows me to be the kind of parent I want to be,” says Kara. “Being able to demonstrate to my children that it is good to live a healthy life is much more important than buying smaller clothes.”

We believe that every woman should have access to fun fitness clothes that fit curves comfortably. Check out our SparkleLight skirts, SparkleTech skirts, and SparkleBottoms shorts in plus sizes: SparkleSkirts sizing charts.

To say that exercise was not a priority for Kristi would be an understatement.

Although her husband is a runner, this Virginia educator and mother of two did not share his enthusiasm for the sport—much less have the time to devote to regular exercise.

“Fitness was not a priority for me,” Kristi says. “Before I decided to start running, the last time I ran was in 10^th grade during the mandatory one-mile run.”

Changing her goals to help her son

In 2009, Kristi’s mindset changed after her son, Hayden—who has autistic spectrum disorder, took part in Surfer’s Healing, a non-profit organization designed to give children with autism a break from their usual sensory overload by engaging in surfing therapy.

Surfer’s Healing was a wonderful experience for Hayden, and Kristi wanted to pay it forward by participating in the organization’s annual 5k fundraiser.

“I worked the whole summer with the goal of running—not walking—the entire distance,” Kristi says. “I was the number one fundraiser for the event. Plus, Hayden got to surf and cheer as his mom crossed the finish line.”

Accepting new challenges

One of Kristi’s friends, a Boston qualifier, encouraged her to participate in the Princess Half Marathon in February, 2010. Kristi met the challenge head-on, completing the Princess and three more subsequent half marathons.

After her success at half marathons, Kristi set her sights on completing a full 26.2 miles at the Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach in March, 2011.

“I paid my entry fee and told all my friends so I was fully committed,” says Kristi, “and I finished! My goal was 5:15 and I finished in just under six hours. I decided to celebrate my success and just let go of the rest.”

Being able to say “I’m a real runner!”

Kristi believes that the mental impediments to running can be as significant as the physical ones.”

“There is a huge mental component to running: you have to train your mind as well as your legs,” Kristi says. “I knew I had done that when I was out for a 12 mile run and about halfway through it starting pouring rain.   I hadn’t really run in weather like that before. My husband and kids pull up beside me.  Chuck rolled down the window and said ‘Want to hop in?’

I declined and said ‘I’m feeling good and want to finish.’

He paused for second and grinned ‘Go get ‘em and we’ll see you at home!’

This was a big moment for me. I knew that if I stopped, I would give up my goal for the day (completing my 12 miles) and be disappointed.  That was enough for me to give up the momentary relief of a warm dry car.

That’s when I knew I was a REAL runner.”

Why Kristi continues to run

Kristi enjoys running for the sense of personal accomplishment she feels. “When I run, I feel like a success,” says Kristi. “I feel strong and powerful because I’m doing something I thought I’d never do.”

But personal fulfillment isn’t the only reason Kristi pushes herself to run marathons.

“People always ask me: ‘Why do you do this?’” Kristi says. “I do this to set an example of health for my daughter, Harper, and on another level, as an example for my son, Hayden. Many things in life are challenging, and I run so that he can see that, yes, you can overcome those obstacles.”

Advice from someone who knows

Kristi’s fitness odyssey took her from the couch to running marathons in only 18 months. Along the way, she learned important lessons about determination and motivation.

“If I can do it, anyone can do it,” says Kristi. “The difference is deciding. You may not be fastest in the race, but if you decide to do it and commit, you will be a success. Don’t think too far ahead on the schedule—just take it one day and one mile at a time.”

For those folks not yet motivated to get moving, Kristi offers this advice: “Get an inspiration. If you cannot do it for yourself then do it for another reason,” she says.

“I run for my son and to show my daughter that exercise is important. My kids motivated me get fit, and now I do it for myself.”

Calling all SparkleSisters! Would you like to share your story of running, walking, or other forms of fitness? Please contact Leah Powell today to learn more.