Family Pictures

It's always a joy.

I booked the session about a month ago but didn't tell my husband about it until the day before. I've learned from experience that ignorance is bliss.

He behaved himself (for the most part) until we pulled into the parking lot of a local park. It was filled with cars.

"There are other people here!" he cried in horror. My husband refused to get out of the car for five minutes.

"What's your problem?" I hissed.

He pointed to a nearby picnic blanket that was occupied by a young family. "They are going to watch us!" he wailed.

The idea of smiling for the camera was bad enough. The realization that he would have an audience just about sent him over the edge.

Add to the mix three kids who consumed too much water from the drinking fountain and had to use the bathroom and one who is two years old and doesn't like people looking at him and you've got a recipe for fun.

I have our fabulous photographer, Jennifer, from Treasure Photography here in Orlando to thank for making the experience as quick and painless as possible. She didn't have much to work with, but did an amazing job with what she had. We were in and out within an hour:









You can see some more pictures from our photo session on Jennifer's website over HERE.

*****

The dress: it's lovely, no? If you've read my blog for any length of time, it should come as no surprise that it's from Shabby Apple. Even if stores did still sell stylish dresses that are appropriate to wear outside of a nightclub (good luck) you would have to pry me away from Shabby Apple. I love 'em. The dress they very kindly sent me just in time for my family photo session fits like a glove and is insanely flattering. Not to mention perfect (lightweight) for the summer. If you haven't tried a Shabby Apple dress yet, I highly recommend. You will love.







I also have my eye on this one. I have a thing for embellishments. And white horses.

Shabby Apple Dress Giveaway!!!

When was the last time you bought a dress that you didn't have to pair with a sweater that costs twice as much as the dress itself, a special bra, or weird looking undershirt?

Maybe it's just me, but it seems that stylish dresses that fit real women's bodies are going the way of the dinosaurs. Around these parts, they're virtually extinct. In their place, the timelessly sexy skirt + sweater set has taken over.

(e-whistle)

While I'm a girl who appreciates the flexibility of mix n' match clothing, there are occasions when I feel inspired to branch out from the world of adjustable waistbands. In these moments, I turn to Shabby Apple.

The ladies at Shabby Apple were kind enough to send me the Jackie O dress to try on for size.

Here are my thoughts uncensored:

* I'm relatively tall and the vast majority of so-called knee-length dresses sold in the mall hit me mid-thigh at best. Don't get me wrong, like most middle-aged women, I look smokin' hot in skin tight mini-skirts, but I am finding that a growing number of people consider those who dress less than half their age to be socially inappropriate. The Jackie O dress hits, as promised, perfectly at the knee.

* Most of Shabby Apple's dresses, including the Jackie O, "fit generously." Translation: If you fluctuate between clothing sizes depending on what's in your freezer, you'll most likely be okay with the size you order.

* Shabby Apple's summer line offers full coverage, but the cotton/spandex blend makes the dresses breathable and light. In other words, you won't sweat to death when you wear a Shabby Apple dress, even on the East Coast, where the humidity can knock your socks off.


Shabby Apple's BRAND NEW line of dresses is due out any minute and to celebrate, they're giving one lucky reader her very own Jackie O Dress!!!! All you need to do to enter this contest is to leave a comment. Want a second chance to win this dress? Post a link to this giveaway on your blog and leave a second comment!

It's that easy, and that awesome! The contest starts NOW and ends this FRIDAY, July 31 at midnight. The winner will be chosen at random, but comments expressing desperation are always appreciated and make me laugh.

Good Luck!


*If you want to sponsor a future giveaway on the Meanest Mom blog or are interested in sidebar advertising, email me at themeanestmom at gmail dot com.