In the meantime, check out some of our sassy products!

• SparkleLight skirts
• SparkleTech skirts
• SparkleSeparates – SparkleCommandos and MuddBusters
• SparkleAccessories

Be sure to check out our SparkleSkirts Facebook page for updates

Jill Mignacca is a domestic abuse survivor, having lived with her abusive husband for 16 and a half years. But Jill’s story is about much more than just her hardships. It is about perseverance and determination and how running can help any woman find her inner strength.

Running has improved every aspect of Jill’s life

When asked how running has benefited her life, Jill responded, “How hasn’t it? It has literally improved every aspect of my life.”

Jill began running regularly in 2002, when she took a marathon training class though Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. After training hard, she finished her first marathon in 2003.

Running gave Jill the confidence to change many sides of her life. She resumed work on her bachelor’s degree and sought out better career opportunities. “Most of all,” Jill says, “running instilled within me a sense of self-respect and empowerment that helped me leave an abusive marriage.”

Jill left her abuser in February of 2010, during record blizzards and freezing temperatures. Afterward she was drained physically and emotionally. With some encouragement from a friend, she began to train again for races. Forcing herself to eat and sleep right for her training helped Jill regain her stamina.

Within weeks, she was completing 5ks and half-marathons with ease. She completed her second marathon in November 2010, and her first 50k in September 2011.

Finding support in the running community

In addition to the health benefits from exercise, Jill found that running was a great way to meet new people.

In her words, “[running and racing] truly helped me navigate my new life. No one knows you like your running friends! My running friends are not just friends – whether in the Midwest or in the Mid-Atlantic, they are my FAMILY. I love them!”

“Running has made me a better aunt, daughter, sister, friend. Period.”

Jill’s activism against domestic abuse

Jill is active in speaking publicly against domestic abuse. Her blog, Stitch by Stitch by Jill, has more information about her story and her efforts. “Domestic violence survivors rebuild their lives, much like you knit something – bit by bit, stitch by stitch”, Jill says. She also does charity knitting for domestic abuse shelters.

In addition, Jill volunteers with Girls on the Run, an organization that encourages young girls to gain confidence and self-respect through running.

Jill at the Iron Girl AZ 2011 in her Perfect Purple SparkleLight

Purple is the color of domestic violence awareness

During a race in Blue Springs, Missouri, in October 2011, Jill and her friends all wore purple tops or purple ribbons in support of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

After hearing about SparkleSkirts, Jill knew she wanted a purple skirt to increase awareness about domestic violence. Picking a Perfect Purple SparkleLight, she wore it during the 2011 Iron Girl Arizona 5k.

“When I see the group photos of us in the purple I still get teary! My running friends are the most amazing group of people… SparkleSkirts advocates women’s empowerment through running and supports DV awareness – what a wonderful company!”

If you or someone you know is being abused

Resources for helping the abused are numerous. The National Domestic Violence hotline website has a useful list of agencies by state. Depending on where you are, Google can assist in finding local associations that can provide support.

Be aware: The signs of abuse are not always physical. “For me, I know I became withdrawn, defensive and stopped spending time with people outside my spouse. I was pre-emptively apologetic about everything, always walking on eggshells.  Signs of abuse are not always bruises, but in the behavior of the person being abused.”

Jill says not to fear the reactions of your family and friends when telling them about abuse experiences. “I was so worried people wouldn’t believe me, because I kept up a charade that everything was fine, for years and years and years,” says Jill. “Once I began telling people what was going on, I had more support than I could have imagined. My family and friends have been amazing.”

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE)

We are pleased to introduce you to the newest member of the SparkleSkirts royal court! Blogger Melissa “Mel” Miller is our self-proclaimed “Lady in Losing” after dropping 50 pounds with the Weight Watchers program.
After recovering from recent knee surgery, she rewarded herself with a 4XL Peacock Noir SparkleTech to use for her walking and Zumba classes once she was cleared by her surgeon to get moving again.

We are supporting Melissa’s endeavor by providing SparkleSkirts all the way down to her goal size. In fact, her 3XL Surf City SparkleTech has been shipped, so she will have a sparkly incentive dangling in her closet to keep up her great work.

We believe that our plus-size friends deserve great workout clothes, too

Here at SparkleSkirts, we believe that ladies who wear plus sizes ought to have workout clothes that look beautiful and fit correctly.

Whether you are on a weight-loss quest or just want to “get out there,” you need to Sparkle and feel good.

Do you have questions about plus-size SparkleSkirts?

Melissa is available to answer any questions you have about the fit, color, and flattering style of our plus-size skirts. All you need to do is email her at Melissa@TheDailyMel.com. Ask her questions; she will be happy to help!

Also, we encourage you to check out her blog: “The Daily Mel”, which chronicles her journey to better health and life in general. Connected to her blog are dozens of other blogs that deal with weight issues. You can also follow Mel on Twitter as @TheDailyMel.

Curious what others are saying about SparkleSkirts? Check out our new SparkleSkirts Testimonials page.

Nothing says “summertime” like red, white, and blue. We are pleased to offer these two technical running skirts to all you patriotic runners out there. Both of these skirts are available up to size 3x!

Each skirt has three huge pockets for all your gear, and you can wear the skirt backwards if you prefer (so that the big zip pocket is the back).

“Betsy Ross” technical running skirt, with hand-pieced flag design

We bet that Betsy would have approved of this classy skirt that uses stars and stripes to make a statement!

Technical skirt with white waistband and built-in white wicking undershorts.

Click here to read more: Betsy Ross SparkleTech running skirt

LIMITED EDITION “American Graffiti” technical running skirt

We were able to obtain a small bit of this hard-to-get fabric to make up these snappy Americana skirts.

First come, first served–when these sizes are gone, they are gone for good.

This technical running skirt features built-in black wicking undershorts and a black waistband. Skirt fabric has shiny foil accents.

Click here to shop: American Graffiti SparkleTech running Skirt

Here’s wishing you a great summer of running, walking, or sports! If you haven’t done so already, we invite you to check us out on Facebook for all the latest Sparkle!

Just had to share these nice comments from Virginia M:

“I love, love my peacock grey. I have always loved the concept of running skirts but have tried SO many and never found one that I wasn’t tugging at constantly. I figured I was just not built for them and settled on shorts with shorts underneath. I was convinced to try one of yours when I saw one of the ROTE gals (Renee maybe) with the grey one at WDW marathon weekend. The skirt was beautiful and she looked adorable! The ROTE gals had been talking about your skirts for a while but I was unconvinced. I am so glad I tried one. Your skirts so lived up to the hype. The shorts stayed right where I put them. I know because I had to gawk at them in amazement several times during my run just to verify (luckily I was in the privacy of my own treadmill!).

I also like the how the skirt is flowy. I had found with other skirts that if I was happy with the way the shorts fit then the skirt would be too tight and would want to hike up. What a great idea!

Keep up the good work!

Thanks, Virginia M.

Would you like to find out what the fuss is about? You can read more on our SparkleTech page.

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.