I love my girls. When I was pregnant, I couldn’t even fathom the idea of having a boy. Even though we kept the baby’s gender a surprise, in 18 total months of pregnancy we never once came up with a boy name.
So it never ceases to amaze me that although I was lucky enough to end up with two girls, these two girls of mine are as different as two kids could be. Princess, at 4 years old, is my girly-girl, my perfectionist, my rule-follower, my over-achiever. This is not because she is older. She has been exactly the same her whole life. Trouble, on the other hand, at only 17 months, is my wild child. A pain-in-the-you-know-what since the day she was born, she is the source of my first grey hairs, as well as the one who also manages to wrap everyone–including me–around her devilish little finger. Her wry smile, truly unfortunate hair, and fearless personality charms even the most anti-children people we know. We have yet to meet someone immune to her magnetism. But my oh my, is she a stinker!
A few weeks ago I came across a beautiful blog, Haddy Grace Designs, showcasing the most adorable little sweater dresses (at totally reasonable prices!) As the mommy of girls, I was hooked. Never mind the fact that I live in Florida and even though it is October, it is still 88 degrees during the day (and a “chilly” 75 at night.) I love sweater dresses and I love pretending it is fall. I wanted that dress, pure and simple. I contacted Ruth Ann, the creative genius behind Haddy Grace Designs, and inquired as to whether she might be willing to create a sleeveless version of the sweater dress for those of us not quite so fortunate as to live in an area where sweater dresses are seasonably appropriate.
Amazingly enough, though she probably secretly thought I was a crazy person (which I may very well be), she was more than willing to work with me to create a Florida-friendly version of the sweater dress. However, she ever-so-kindly suggested that I may want to consider a different design, her pillowcase dress.
Reluctantly, I did, and at that very moment a new love was formed. I ordered the Fall Festival pillowcase dress for Trouble on the spot and less than a week later, it was on my doorstep, quite possibly the cutest little dress I had ever seen.
And as luck would have it, just as the package arrived, I was supposed to be working on an assignment for my online photography class. Something about light and framing and negative space and all that photo-jargon I’m trying so hard to understand. I needed a subject, and what better subject, really, than an adorable Trouble in her gorgeous new dress?
A double duty dress that moonlights as a shirt. What could be better than that? It means that the oh-so-cute dress will last twice as long, making it twice as good of a deal. Because when push comes to shove, I love a good bargain but I don’t like cheaply made things, especially when it comes to my kids’ clothes. The true beauty of Haddy Grace Designs is that the prices are completely reasonable ($15.99 for this dress!), and yet the quality is top notch. This dress came out of the wash looking brand new, and I have no doubt it will stand the test of time.
But the very best part about this whole discovery is that RuthAnn of Haddy Grace Designshas generously offered to give one of my readers a $20 gift certificate so that you can discover for yourself just how amazing her designs really are. (And for those of you with boys, don’t fret–she has some absolutely adorable designs for little boys too!)
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Alisha October 18, 2010 at 2:15 pm
So cute! It's a tough choice, but I think I'd have to get the Pink Lollipop Pillowcase dress (first…and then one of each after that!)
Alisha October 18, 2010 at 2:16 pm
I am a fan of HaddyGrace Designs of facebook!
Alisha October 18, 2010 at 2:17 pm
I'm a follower! (networked blogs)
Alisha October 18, 2010 at 2:19 pm
Voted for you today! (And, by the way, #8?!? Yay!!)
Alisha October 18, 2010 at 2:22 pm
P.S. LOVE the photos!
Amanda October 18, 2010 at 2:38 pm
I'm in love with the fall festival dress!
Amanda October 18, 2010 at 2:39 pm
I'm a follower (Google Connect)
Amanda October 18, 2010 at 2:40 pm
I'm a fan on FB!
Lindsey October 18, 2010 at 2:55 pm
This is SO adorable, I love it as a top as well! I would buy a pair of soft-soled shoes and a purple paisley pillowcase dress.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Lindsey
ladyufshalott at yahoo dot com
Lindsey October 18, 2010 at 2:55 pm
I'm a Facebook fan!
Lindsey October 18, 2010 at 2:56 pm
Following you via GFC!
Sarah October 19, 2010 at 3:10 pm
Thanks for visiting my blog! following you now.
Michelle October 19, 2010 at 3:26 pm
I love the hooded sweater dress in white!
Michelle October 19, 2010 at 3:28 pm
I'm already a follower!
Rheanna October 19, 2010 at 3:48 pm
I think I definitely would have to go either for the fall one or the purple paisley. that's a tough choice!
missrhe81@yahoo.com
Rheanna October 19, 2010 at 3:48 pm
Follower or HaddyGrace – facebook.com/rheanna.christine
Rheanna October 19, 2010 at 3:48 pm
following you through GFC
Rheanna October 19, 2010 at 3:49 pm
Voted on Top Mommy Blogs!
Ron Cooper October 19, 2010 at 5:26 pm
Beautiful children!
I’m already following you from Tuesday Tag-Along. Wishing you & your family a great autumn! Check out my new Facebook fan page with inspiring quotes.
http://inspiredbyron.blogspot.com/
mspilgrim October 19, 2010 at 10:03 pm
I love all your stuff!
Anonymous October 20, 2010 at 12:43 pm
OH, I found you!! YAY!!! Ok, I love the zebra print dress and the fall dress. Really, I have to decide? They are all adorable!! XO Melissa S.
Anonymous October 20, 2010 at 12:45 pm
Oh, and yes, I am a fan of Haddy Grace :0) Melissa S.
K October 25, 2010 at 6:22 am
Hrmmm. As a is in an unforseen big size (She's 5 and wears a 7/8) I'd put it towards a sweater dress…pink of course…with a dragonfly!
~K
bigklittlea at gmail
K October 25, 2010 at 6:23 am
Liked Haddy Grace on FB!
~K
bigklittlea at gmail
K October 25, 2010 at 6:25 am
Following you via GFC…though your number of followers didn't change when I did?!?
~K
bigklittlea at gmail
bigklittlea.blogspot.com
mrs.kristin October 25, 2010 at 10:57 pm
I think I'd have to go with the Zebra print!
CJ October 27, 2010 at 4:11 pm
I love the cute little slippers, especially the polka-dot ones. So cute!
Anonymous October 28, 2010 at 2:05 am
I voted on top mommy blog. I LOVE the pictures! Both of the girls look beautiful in the fall dress/shirt. Fall Dress would be my pick. ; ) Dawn S.
To Mommies and Beyond November 5, 2010 at 8:55 pm
Hi. I am a new follower via blog hoppping. Please visit me too @ http://www.mommiesandbeyond.com and also facebook friend me too!
please enter me in this giveaway!
I am following Hadie Grace Designs on Facebook!
following you via GFC. lOVE these dresses too!Adorable!