{TuTu Tuesday} Big Sister Love

Soon after I launched TiTi's TuTu's last year, I held a contest for readers to help me name my mannequin. The winner ordered a vibrant TuTu in citrus green, shades of pink, and aqua to use for her daughter's first birthday and featured today.

A year later, this sweet girl, now two years old, has the new title of loving Big Sister. Here she is with her baby sister in a heart warming shot by Tracy Henley Photography.

(only toddler tutu by TiTi's TuTu's)

What a sweet kiss! The expression looks absolutely genuine with eyes closed and all. Tracy just tops it off with colorful props and tasteful editing.

I love this photo because it reminds me of the love siblings share.

When I first had my daughter, I felt like I had reached sainthood in the eyes of my toddler. He loved her so much and was so happy to have her, I often thought ,"No matter what I may fail at as a mother, I did something right. I gave him a sister."

Oh and did I mention it looks amazing in vintage too...

Thanks for reading,

Debra

{TuTu Tuesday} Tween Style

I've been away from the blog for a while because I'm working on a new set of products coming soon to the shop, while also working with some fabulous vendors helping me make my daughter's 2nd birthday coming up in July a hit.

I couldn't skip my favorite weekly post, though. So here is this week's edition of TuTu Tuesday.

When I received today's photos from Maria Vallejo Photography I was awed by the natural beauty of her model, Tiffany.

This stunning tween just captured my heart!

When Maria Vallejo contacted me, she shared her vision for a long tutu on an older girl. I was happy to supply a pre-made tutu for a wedding collection I was working on at the time.

Thank you , Maria for allowing TiTi's TuTu's to be part of your vision and for sharing these photos with us.

xoxo

Debra

{TuTu Tuesday} Bold Statement

Happy Tuesday!

Hope your week got off to a great start. If you still need some inspiration for the week make sure you listen to yesterday's music selection as you look at today's post.

A couple of weeks ago, I allowed myself out of the predictable zone of pinks and purples and go for the "WOW" when Rya Photos requested a custom creation. I love bold colors and unlikely combinations, which is exactly what I did with this unique piece.

Rich layers of royal blues, reds, oranges, pinks, and purples make this TuTu really stand out.

I'm in love with how the little model just pops in this picture. For more photos of this piece, please visit my facebook page.

thanks for reading,

Debra

{Music Monday} Surely We Can Change

I'm absolutely in love with today's song. It's been in my head since Easter when the ballet dancers at my church did a hair-raising interpretation of it.

Over the course of this year, my husband and I have been on a journey of love, starting with 1 Corinthians 13. We've been studying God's love, then trying to figure out how we can love the same way.

Our conclusion: it's hard!!!! and it's nothing like what we originally thought. God's love is mind blowing! His way of loving excludes fairness and merit; He just pours out love even when rejected and taken for granted.

We're still transforming our actions, but we've come to a new understanding of love. Although at times we feel overwhelmed, this song reminds us to take it little by little. To "change something." When we all change a little something, the whole world will change.

xoxo

Debra

{Music Monday} Just The Way You Are

I hope all of you Moms out there had a relaxing weekend.

Mine started with a 6 hour drive towing 2 kiddos under 3. Thankfully, my awesome Hubby mapped all the outlet shopping centers along the way and scheduled some much needed "mommy stops."

The kids LOVE staying at hotels, so they had a blast from the minute we arrived at our destination. Mother's Day eve was perfect, a day at the most breathtaking park we've ever been to, some alone time at "Hobby Lobby," and an evening dancing away with family at a wedding.

Today's selection is actually a song played at the wedding, which I love. It's the exact way I feel loved by my husband. Plus, it has a catchy little tune. Enjoy the song, and keep reading past the video to find out about my mother's day.

On Mother's Day morning, I shared a quiet breakfast with my favorite girl then was joined by my handsome boys who came in bearing gifts to the SPA!! Later we had a family lunch with the family including my sisters, mom, grandma, and aunts. Treasured memories! My husband thinks our family should have a sitcom...

Another drive back...this time the kiddos chilled for a 4 hour stretch and we ended up only making one stop for gas. UNHEARD OF!!!! I was so proud of them for being such great little travelers.

Before ging to bed, of course, we had to end the day with a tickle fight and giggle attack. Nothing better than hearing the kids laugh.

{Thank You Thursday}

A few weeks ago, I began a segment called Thank You Thursday: Mommy Edition inspired by my favorite segment of the Jimmy Fallon show. Each week, I write a few notes to people, things, or places based on true events that happened to me as a mommy during that week.

Here are this week's notes. Hope you enjoy. Leave a comment if you can relate! If you're a parent, you KNOW I'm not making these up! I'd love to hear from you.

Thank you...Walmart, for carding me when trying to buy spray glitter. It's good to know you're taking measures to ensure people under 18 can't easily access such a dangerous controlled substance.

Thank you...Creepy old high school classmate, for at least being polite enough to ASK if you could hug me while trying to holler at me in front of my two children at Walmart.

Thank you...Fire hydrants, for being a much better place to pee on than my foot. Dogs get it. Now, I just gotta teach my "way-too-eager-to-water-the-plants" three-year-old.

Thank you...Publix Baker, for understanding that my one-year-old is totally NOT hitting on you when she says "Bye. I love you." after you give her a cookie.

Thank you...Baby girl, for after I lay you in your crib saying "Thank You, Mommy. See you later," before rolling over to go to sleep at nap time. Can I clone you?

Thank you...Clouds, for providing hours of free outdoor entertainment.

Thank you...Friend who commented on how happy my children seem; certainly beats the friend who asked if they by any chance suffered from childhood depression.

Thank you...Lawn Maintenance Guys, for being consistent. It doesn't matter what time I put the kids down for a nap, whether I'm running behind schedule or early, you always seem to know just when to come by and provide us with background noise. Who needs a white noise machine?

xoxo

Debra

{TuTu Tuesday} Pretty-in-AQUA

Today's featured TuTu is one my baby girl will be wearing to a wedding this weekend. Pink will always be pretty, but there is a new hue in town...AQUA!!!

Here is my little Princess (or Daddy's Little Princess as of late) getting tickles from her mommy in this photo by Patricia Bishop Photography. I just adore her facial expressions. This one is one of my favorites.

I enjoy making wearable TuTus for my girl in which she can look gorgeous but also have fun without feeling constrained. By this face, I'd say she's having a ball!

It is important to me that she is as comfortable as she looks cute. That is why I often make my wearable TuTus shorter and less overwhelming than average tutus. Photo prop TuTus and wearable TuTus have different uses and should be constructed differently.

This particular piece still has close to 100 yards of shimmer tulle mixed with soft matte fabric. I added length to give it a more sophisticated look fit for a wedding.

Big, fluffy TuTus are perfect for short photo shoots or playdates, but if you want your toddler to keep an outfit on for a long period of time, it's best to make comfort a priority.

xo

Debra

{Music Monday} Curtesy of the Red, White and Blue

I had another song in mind for today, but in lieu of las night's announcement, I thought this would be more appropriate. If you were wondering, I am indeed a little country.

God bless the USA!

xoxo