Countdown To Spring

I have dreamed of a white Christmas my whole life. It has never happened. But after Christmas is over.. I am ready for Spring!!!! I have already started on the Spring Collection and that is just making me want it here even more. Oh, little girls...watch out, because it is going to be irresistible! I will have a sneak peek of a few things as soon as I can get it together with the camera. It always seems that the SD card is in my computer, the camera is in the bag in the coat closet and the garments to be photographed are in the design studio. That means that I have to cover three floors in the house to gather the supplies for a photo shoot. I am tired just thinking about it. Although, it is 11:30pm and I haven't had any sleep in almost one full year. Yes, my baby of almost a year still doesn't sleep. He has me trained. Any time he whimpers...mama comes a runnin'. It is better to answer his call than to have three little ones awake in the middle of the night. So, if I would just go to bed at a decent time maybe I would be in better shape. It is so hard though, this is my time! Sitting down to veg out in front of the tube with my computer after the kids are in bed is ME time and I can't give it up. So I will stop complaining because I know the solution, but I would just rather be tired I guess. Sidetracked again! Pictures will surely be here for your viewing pleasure soon. I will give you a hint...butterflies, mushrooms and owls. Oh, and I am feeling a little patriotic. That is all I am saying!!!

Gretta LaRue From Head to Toe

I woke up to find these fabulous photos of Miss Ella Rae. I was delighted to know that she wore her Gretta LaRue from head to toe on Christmas Eve. You may have seen her before in earlier posts due to her love for Gretta LaRue and Gretta LaRue's love for her. She is a beauty and I love seeing her in my designs. She is elegantly dressed in Ruby Gauchos with the O Christmas Tree Top. The coat is a custom design that I did for her in the Fall. This sweet girl you will see again! And..... her mom is a pretty good photographer (she is very modest about it but I think it is great)!

Christmas All The Year

“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” ~ Charles Dickens

MERRY CHRISTMAS

It is a Very Merry Christmas morning. I am waiting on my little ones to rise and start off all the excitement. I have so much to be thankful for! I am having a little quiet time to reflect and say prayers of thanks for all that I have been blessed with. My hope is that all of you are having a wonderful Christmas too! Let the festivities begin!

The Cutest Stockings on Earth

I know that I have been away for a while. I have missed blogging. I have been waiting on a new power plug and battery for my computer. Can't do much without power. Holiday shipping must be mad right now. I felt like it was being shipped by horse and buggy. I have felt like I have been in Never Never Land...disconnected from the entire world. I am talking about no shopping on Cyber Monday... that was hard!

Oh well, I did take the time to focus on other things. I couldn't bare the fact that my new baby boy did not have a matching stocking. Our stockings are one of my most prized material possessions. I am not kidding either! I LOVE them. They are made by Sally Russell Studios . I started trying to locate one with no luck at the boutiques. Then, I visited the designers website(via my iPhone). When I found out that they had been sold out since last season, I began to panic. See, I get really obsessed about certain things.... a little OCD-ish. I sweat the small stuff and I don't know why, because it usually works out just fine in the end. So I talked to Sally Russell herself trying to find this stocking. She was so helpful and accommodating. She suggested that I may be able to make one out of the set of polka dot napkins that were still in stock. I was very excited!! She sent them right away, and when I received the box in the mail she had also thrown in some scrap striped fabric. Now I had to find the trim and I would be set.

We gathered with our fellow Bama fans at our friend's home to watch the SEC Championship game last weekend. The minute I walked in the door my eye was drawn to this stocking that I had been frantically searching for. I told her the story, and asked where she had found it. She replied that she had gotten it at the same boutique several years back. I was bummed because I had already called and they didn't have them anymore. My friend Connie walks over to the mantle and handed it right over to me. "Here you go" she said. As much as I wanted it, I told her that I couldn't take it. She insisted over and over until I did. She kept saying, " I am just so glad that I can bless you like that." Now that is a good friend... to give you the stocking right off of her mantle. Not to mention that it is the cutest stocking on earth! My collection is complete! I just have to have little man's name put on it. I will be able to use the napkins on the table. I have to tell you that dealing with Sally Russell was a pleasure and you should check out her designs because they are divine! And as for my friend Connie...she should be expecting something very special on her doorstep in the next few days!

See.... I should not sweat the small stuff...but I do! Now I am on to the Christmas Cards. I have been very anxious because the pictures that I wanted to use on my card were stuck on my powerless computer. I was able to access them today, and what ,14 days before Christmas! I sent them in to the company that is doing my cards....let's see if they will be as helpful as Sally!

Missed you and will not disappear again...let's keep our fingers crossed anyway! Next time I will talk about clothing instead of stockings!

Computerless....be back soon!!! So sorry, I should be up and running shortly!

A New Take

Here is a fresh new take on the Bye Bye Birdie Top ($38 ). My little one wore this to school and said that 100 people said that they liked her top. Normally I would think that this was an exaggeration. But, this top is so stinking cute, I really believe that it truly could have been 100! She started naming names and it was pretty close!

I will be at the Goddard School's Holiday Bazaar(Spout Springs) on Friday, December 4th from 2:30pm-6:30pm. I will have cash & carry, and I will be taking orders from the fall line. I will have Gretta Clippys and other accessories available as well. I hope you will stop by and see us.

I am getting into the Christmas spirit early this year. Going to Deck The Halls tomorrow. It just comes and goes so fast, I want to savor it for as long as I possibly can. I can give Thanks just the same on Thursday with a tree in the family room, right? Hope you all had a great weekend!

Holiday Collection

I am getting photos together from the Holiday designs. It is taking me a few days longer than I stated. I have had some computer issues. My computer has been temperamental this week and will only turn on if I threaten to throw it out of the window. Maybe this is a sign that I should ask Santa for that new MacBook I have been dreaming about?

Here are two pieces that I love. The 12 Days Of Christmas Dress ($48) with Cranberry Ruffle Pants($34). This little pairing can be worn to each and every event on your calendar. The dress is a peasant style that is super comfy and can also be worn with a red sash for a more tailored and festive look. The pants are made of the softest fabric that one can buy. She will think they are PJ's. I wish that I had a pair this soft. I will have more fun stuff soon. It is late and I must say night night.

I Gotta Get Through This

I feel like I am moving in double time, all of the time. I have just gotten home from my sons Thanksgiving Feast at school. They had it a bit early due to some testing for the bigger kids next week. Although I always enjoy being there with him and getting to see him in his school setting, I got in the car and did a mental "CHECK", checking that task off of my imaginary to do list. I felt bad, but I live in fast motion. My new theme song is Daniel Bedingfield's: I Gotta Get Through This.

I gotta get through this, I gotta get through this
I gotta make, gotta make it, gotta make it through
Said, "I'm gonna get through this, I'm gonna get through this
I gotta take, gotta take my mind off of you"

Ok so it is a love sick song, but the chorus reminds me of my life. I am constantly checking things off with a sigh of relief. How do I stop the madness? And everyone that I talk to is doing the same thing. I am going to make myself learn how to slow down and really take it all in. Slow down and enjoy every minute with my children...because that is what really matters!! My big baby boy has thanked me so many times for coming today and my heart just melts every time. I am really going to do this slowing down thing, I am going to stop over extending myself and focus on my three scrumptious little munchkins. Are you with me???? Don't worry..I will still have time for Gretta LaRue too!

I have several pieces of the holiday collection finished and will give you a sneak peak tomorrow. I have to take some photos. CHECK.......

Little Lady

I received this perfect little picture of my neighbor and friend's little lady, Isabella. I say little lady because that is exactly what she is. She is a perfect example of manners and grace. She is one of Gretta LaRue's biggest fans and GLD is one of hers as well. She wore the Harvest Peasant Dress ($48) to an outdoor wedding this weekend and stole the show! I can see why!!! Thanks Rhonda for sharing your sweet girl with us!


I am working hard to have holiday designs out this week. Keep checking for goodies!

New Old Sofa

I scored the most awesome vintage sofa during one of my outings this week. I stumbled upon it and immediately had a vision for it! The perfect prop for photos of some new Gretta LaRue (coming soon). It has kicked my motivation up a notch to get these pieces finished. And here it is....

iiiiiiiiiii love it! I do hope that you think it is as wonderful as I do!! I should be showing you the sofa with sweet girlys dressed in Gretta LaRue sitting pretty on it. But, I always get ahead of myself and have little self control. Just like the gift closet, I collect gifts for my children for different occasions and almost always give it to them early. I just can't handle the anticipation of gift giving. It is stressful knowing that you have something great and you have to wait. Oh, my 6 year old would love that sentence. He gets so tickled when we start rhyming. I can really get on a roll with it...maybe I should do a rhyming post for you sometime.. ok ..I have REALLY gotten sidetracked.

Packing orders and shipping them off ...so, you can start getting excited about the package coming straight at ya!!!. I love it when I get a package. It's like Christmas morn and it doesn't even matter what's inside... It's just FUN!!! Also, be looking for some new pieces that will be listed soon...Good Day!

Hecticity

Ok, this is tooo funny..I just Googled hecticity and, in fact, it is a word. This is the sentence that they used the word in. The only person who can understand a mother's hecticity is another mother.
Funny but soooo true!!! To all you moms out there, I do understand your hecticity! Have a good night!!!

Hallows Eve

I am sure you are all ready to be scared out of your skin tomorrow. I know all the little kiddos are in bed and can't sleep with the anticipation of what tomorrow brings. I can remember as a child how exciting Halloween was. Now, I get excited seeing my children getting excited. This has proved to be the beginning week of hecticity. I think I made that one up.... I like it though! That is a great new name for the last quarter of the year...Hecticity! Parties, pumpkins, pictures, hayrides, trick or treating at school. Lawson, my 9 month old, met up with his buddies at the pumpkin patch this week and had a photo shoot. Yes, he is already a little socialite. They are all so cute together. They have a weekly playdate on Thursday and go to Mommy & Me in our neighborhood on Monday morn. They aren't even a year old and already need an iPhone to calendar their events. Crazy, I know... but FUN!!

We have a Halloween birthday party to go to tomorrow, annual kids HW party down the street and then trick or treating. One year ago, my friend Chrissy had a Halloween baby. She is the sweetest little baby girl. She is going to have some KILLER birthday parties to tell about one day! Happy 1st Birthday Baby Lilly, and to all of you, have a FUN & SAFE but SCARY HAALLOOWEEENN!!

Royal Peasant

Hello! I am back! Sorry to have left for so long. I have been busy filling orders from the Fall Fest. This week starts off the hectic holiday hustle & bustle. From the school parties, Pumpkin Patches, Trick or Treat.... going straight into Thanksgiving and all of the kids functions leading up to the big feast and then...well, you know what the whole month of December involves. Since we have three children now, our Christmas celebration is going to be held at our home from now on. We have always traveled to both grandparents homes in the past, and I look forward to being at home with my babies. I love holiday traditions, and I plan on adding a couple this year.If anyone has any good ones that I could borrow, I would love to hear about them. Please leave a comment telling me all about your good times, and I promise to carry them out with good cheer!

This is Gretta wearing the Royal Peasant Top ($34). She has had professional pics in it, but I shot these. It looks great in photos! Perfect top for all fall functions. She is at our local pumpkin patch here. Did I mention that I love a good photo!!! If I didn't ...I love a good photo! She is a child that doesn't mind picture taking..I am a lucky mom!

The Homerun

Well, my big boy (6 yr old) hit a game winning homerun! It was so exciting! I got it on video and of course his crazy mom yelling was all that you could hear. I need to practice some self control but it is really hard when you are so proud of your child. He is watching it over and over. I am sure this gives him a different perspective... seeing himself crushing the ball, running the bases, seeing the other teams reaction on the field and getting praise from the team and coaches when he passes home plate. He has a little grin on his face every time that he watches it, and I am so glad that he is getting this view of what an awesome boy, player, teammate, friend and son that he is. He is a very strong player, but he doesn't really know it yet. Maybe now, after seeing himself do what he does on the field, he will have a better idea of his ability. I am a VERY PROUD MOM...can you tell?

I just found some really cute green fabric that I had forgotten about. It is going to be a really great start for the holiday collection. My children have already started singing Rudolph.

Happy weekend!

The Queen

After reading my blog, my husband called me the Queen of Clichés. I guess he has a point. When the cats away, when a plan comes together and so on...... I have to say that I do use them like crazy but often use them incorrectly and rarely know what they even mean! I guess this stuff just evolves into your speech and you do not even realize it! I just Googled Clichés and I had no idea how many there were. That quite possibly may be all that "comes out of my mouth". I couldn't believe what was considered a Cliché. Even slang words and I speak slang! Oh well, I will try to "keep it at a minimum."

No pictures today. I do apologize for this, I know a post with no pics can be disappointing. It's been a crazy day, and I am off to the ball park for my sons last ballgame of the season.... until the tournament starts on Saturday, that is. The ballpark seems to be " my second home " these days but "that is just the way the cookie crumbles"! (I am just trying to get them all out...sorry!)

Drum Roll Please....

Here it is, the chandelier that I have been ranting and raving about. I know it looked ok to begin with, but white and pastels, it just wasn't me. A little splash of paint and wallah...I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!! I can't decide if I want to hang it in Gretta's room or the baby's room or keep it handy for the art fair tent. hummmm...Don't know. The wind was blowing the day of the show and that is why I couldn't get the shades to sit pretty.

I have great plans for holiday tees and pants. The plan is to have a small holiday collection. I will get right on it because it is time to start thinking about the holiday wardrobe. I like to send Gretta to school in different holiday attire every day in the month of December. That sounds crazy when I say it out loud! Oh well, she is in school 3 weeks in Dec. only Mon-Thurs. So, that would be 12 new goodies. I better get started now! Can you believe that we are already talking about the holidays?

Rain Rain Go Away!!!

Ok, so I have been on Gretta LaRue overload for the last couple of days. I had myself so worked up over the Festival that I had to rest today to get my brain into functioning mode again. It was a yucky day yesterday to put it mildly. Not a drop of rain detected on the radar and yet it was pouring the whole show. There were brave souls that did come out and show the love though. I spent the day in a booth beside my friend Carrie who makes awesome soaps. I left with pumpkin spice, gingerbread, scary spider, and Georgia Bulldogs for Jackson. When she has her website up and running I will give you the link, because you will want to get your hands on some, trust me!!(no pun intended...hands on the soap?)Well... OOOOOK.... then... We had a great time despite the rainy,cold day.

Now that I have had a day of rest, I will start filling orders. As always, a big THANK YOU for supporting Gretta LaRue, and I will have your girly's newest additions to her closet ready in a flash!

I will be doing at least one holiday bazaar this year. I will let you know which one very soon. Hope you all had a great weekend. I promised chandelier pics and they will be on my next post....promise!

When The Cats Away...

I had to go out last night to an event and you know what they say...when the cat is away, the mice will play! My husband and little ones got busy with a project. He loves to cook and is a GREAT DAD. And you know kids want to make anything that they can mix, stir and play with food coloring. Their pumpkin turned out so cute and they are very proud. It was a most delicious project too! And, you know what they wanted to eat for breakfast...CAKE..and so they did.

I could be ready for tomorrow, but I like to keep doing more, more, more. No, in all actuality I would love to have more, but this year I have been distracted with my last little baby love. Trying to take it all in... all of those firsts. He is such a cuddlier that it is hard to put him down. Now he is mobile and wants to be independent and explore. But I miss the excitement of creating, so I am carving out time to get back on track with Gretta LaRue. I feel the excitement of a new venture again. I guess it will be this way every time that I introduce a new collection. That is what I love about GLD, it is always changing so the newness never wears off. And, I always want you to expect the unexpected!!!

Hope to see you tomorrow!!!

A Great Find

I love it when a plan comes together. I have been looking for a good way to display all of the Gretta Clippys that I will have this weekend. I found this at our local antique store. It works perfect!

This is one of my favorite pastimes. Scouring thrift, antique, consignment stores looking for a great find. It is time consuming, but I have to say...it is usually worth it.

That is all for now. I have to keep some things under wraps or I will have no surprises this weekend at The Big Show!!! See ya day after tomorrow!

The Countdown

I have some really cute bibs to share. I will add more styles soon, and will have a couple for the boys too.

GRETTA BIB $12

I have so much to do to get ready for the Fall Festival. Only 3 more days. I am grabbing minutes and hours in between our busy life and caring for 3 small children. Did I mention my 8 month old still will not sleep through the night? Yes, I have been in a fog for all of 2009 due to sleep deprivation, but he is wonderful so I am not complaining. I will have to work in the wee morning hours tonight..off to Disney On Ice this evening.

Oh, and wait until you see the chandelier that I got at my friend Abbye's store Emma'a Attic. I have to go in at least once a week to see the newest treasures. It is a home decor and furniture consignment in the loveliest old home at the Duncan's Creek four way. It is a weakness of mine and it is WAY to close to my house. I have to pass by every time I go out. And she is so nice, she likes to put things out on the porch and the lawn just for my viewing pleasure. HEHE! Anyway, I was looking for one to hang from the art fair tent. It is going to be perfect!! I will post pics soon.

Promises... Promises

I know that I promised that it would be a week of good posts, but I forgot that it was fall break. I have been busy entertaining my 6 and 4 year olds. With all of the rain yesterday, I thought that we were going to go stir crazy. But, we survived. The sun came out today, making it a beautiful day to play outside. So, I am talking to you from my front porch swing listening to the happy sounds of lots of neighborhood children getting to play before another round of rain. I attempted to put up the outside Halloween decorations, but the spider webs..I just can't get them to look real like my husband does. He is a mean spiderweb puter upper, so I think I will wait on him. I'm sure this is a really meaningful compliment that he will appreciate!! Don't you think??

Here is a little goodie that I made my baby boy for fall pics. I can't wait ...the leaves have started to fall...picture time!!!

Purplicious

Just look at this little cutie. Only 5 months old and already has a signature color. Her fav color is Purple. Miss Summer is one of my baby boy's best buds. Isn't she a doll!! My mother-in-law crochets these awesome hats for Gretta LaRue. I will have some with me at the Festival on Saturday.

I am diligently working to get all of the samples ready for this weekend. I am sure I will pull a few all nighters this week. If I just weren't such a procrastinator! But, I do work better under pressure. With that said, I better get off of the computer and get to work. I promise this will be a week of good posts with lots of new things to look at!

The Inspiration

Meet Gretta...my inspiration behind the label. Wow, there are so many ways to describe her. She is freshly 4 years old but is so mature in many ways...a kind of old soul that keeps you intrigued. She is always coming up with the cutest ways to express herself. Of course, I love her girly side too. Her fav color is PINK, she loves her dolls, dress-up and handbags. She is fun, funny, dramatic, adventurous, loves to pick up bugs and is a gymnast in the making. And, yes, she has a blankie. If you are reading my blog in search of the most different, exciting, unimaginable, comfy cozy, ever changing, not anything else out there comparable attire, you too are likely to have a someone special just as I have described. Here's to our girls, may they always feel as special as we know they are!!!!

Photo Bliss

The Parasol Dress $45


Today I received some photos that made my heart melt. One thing that you may not know about me, is that I have a weakness for photography. To see a cutie like this, wearing Gretta LaRue in a great photo..doesn't get much better than that!! Thanks Anne for sharing your sweet girl with us.

Fall is in the Air

Fall is my favorite season.. I love the crisp Autumn air. It is also my favorite time to design. I love all of the fall hues and textures. The Seasonal Shorts $34 are a great transition piece, and your little one can wear them year-round!

Sneak Peek

Bye Bye Birdie Swing Top $38

Ruby Gaucho $34


To purchase items visit www.grettalaruedesigns.etsy.com or leave a comment on this blog with your contact information and I will get back to you. Thanks for looking!!

How It All Began

One October day, almost two years ago, while walking around our neighborhood Fall Festival, I was stopped by several moms asking about the skirt that my daughter was wearing. I handmade it for my little girl...Gretta. I was asked to duplicate it for their little ones, and in an instant Gretta LaRue Designs was born!!!

I am so excited to offer a Fall Collection this year, as custom clothing has kept me busy in recent months. Most all of our garments are handmade from vintage fabrics and trims. So, quantities will be limited. This means that if you see something that you can't live without..grab it quickly!!!

I will have a website up very soon. You can also come and view the goods at the Reunion Fall Festival on October 17th from 11am-3pm. Yes, this is my second year as an art fair vendor at the very place that IT ALL BEGAN!!!

Thanks for visiting my blog! STAY TUNED..You will not want to miss this!!!!!